PAK 2-1 JPN, Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Highlights: Pakistan Secure Well-Deserved Victory Over Japan

Asian hockey fans, assemble -- We're back with another live blog, and it's hockey time. Pakistan are all set to take on Japan, after their 2-2 draw against Korea. The team is in pursuit of victory. However, Japan are expected to put up a strong comeback against the loss into the hands of India. Keep watching this space for all live updates and match action.

Team Pakistan: ABDUL Rehman, AHMAD Ajaz, ALI Ghazanfar, BUTT Ammad (Captain), HAMMADUDIN Muhammad, HAYAT Zikriya, KHAN Abdullah Ishtiaq (Goal Keeper), KHAN Sufyan, LIAQAT Arshad, MAHMOOD Abu, NADEEM Ahmad, QADIR Faisal, RANA Waheed Ashraf, RAZZAQ Salman, ROOMAN, SHAHID Hannan, SHAKEEL Moin, UR-REHMAN Muneeb (Goal Keeper)

Team Japan: CHIBA Yuki, FUJISHIMA Raiki (Captain), KASHIWAGI Ren, KAWABE Kosei, KAWAHARA Yamato, KAWAMURA Yusuke, KIMURA Naru, KITAGAWA Takumi (Goal Keeper), MATSUMOTO Kazumasa, MATSUZAKI Yuito, NAGAI Yuma, NAGAYOSHI Ken, OBA Yosei (Goal Keeper), TANAKA Seren, TANAKA Tsubasa, WATANABE Keita, YAMADA Shota, YAMASHITA Manabu

The live updates will be right here, but if you want to catch the action live, check out the details below.

Pakistan Vs Japan's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 match will be held on September 11, Wednesday at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir, China at 11:00 AM IST.

Both teams are out on the hockey pitch, warming up and getting pumped for an exciting game! The action kicks off shortly — stay tuned.

National anthems are underway, starting with Pakistan's and followed by Japan's. The excitement is building.

The match between Pakistan and Japan is now underway! Let the game begin. PAK are looking in good spirits.

Japan earned the first penalty corner of the match after a Pakistan player’s foot touch. Pakistan challenged the call, arguing a stick check instead. It was a tough job for the TV umpire, but the decision has been overruled.

Goaaaaaal -- Ahmad Nadeem opens the scoring for Pakistan with a stunning finish. Shahid Hannan made a fantastic run, setting up Nadeem to put the ball in the back of the net with a sharp strike.

Keita Watanabe from Japan found space inside the circle but fired his shot too wide. Japan missed a crucial net. Pakistan’s goalie made a classy save by a narrow margin. And siren, first quarter ends.

The first quarter ends with Pakistan largely dominating and holding a one-point lead. Now all eyes on second quarter.

And just like that PAK double the lead with another Goaaaaaal. Sufyan Khan pulls off a stunning drag flick to score brilliantly and capitalize on the penalty corner. Japan are struggling to find their rhythm, both on the pitch and in front of the net. The game is slipping away from them as Pakistan take control.

Japan finally capitalize on their second penalty corner as Raiki Fujishima pulls one back with a precise drag flick. They look confident now.

The hooter blows for half-time with Pakistan leading 2-1. After the goal goal, Japan started to look more confident, but the Pakistani side been playing aggressively, keeping the pressure on.

Japan start the third quarter with a referral for a back stick, earning a crucial penalty corner. However, they blow the chance and miss the net, with a strong save from Pakistan’s goalkeeper keeping them at bay.

Japan are looking dangerous but not enough to penetrate Pakistan's defense.

India’s coach Craig Fulton and players are spotted in the stands, watching the match intently and standing by as they await their turn on the field.

The hooter sounds, marking the end of the 3rd quarter with Pakistan leading 2-1. Japan's Nary Kimura is out on a green card, adding more pressure to the team.

Japan are throwing everything they have to find an equalizer, but keep missing the mark. Pakistan have most of their men deployed defensively, determined not to concede at this crucial stage. Their goalie is putting on a stellar performance, blocking Japan’s multiple attempts to break through.

Japan earned a crucial penalty corner, and now all eyes are on them to see if they can capitalize on this opportunity.

The drag flick comes from the second castle and strikes the onrushing Ajaz Ahmad. The Pakistan player is down on the ground and receiving treatment. And he walks out.

The final hooter blows, and Pakistan finally secure a victory. They held on to their lead and won the match 2-1, a crucial win for them. Japan dominated the second half but will be disappointed to leave without a point from this match.

Pakistan registered their first win of the tournament, while Japan will have to wait longer to secure their first victory.

Pakistan have won their first match of the tournament after back-to-back draws. Join us for the India Vs Malaysia match with the link given below. Thanks and have a good day!