Pakistan and Japan to Face Off in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Final

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 is reaching its climax with an exciting final showdown between Pakistan and Japan scheduled for May 11. This prestigious field hockey tournament in Ipoh has seen intense competition among top teams, ultimately leading to Pakistan and Japan securing their places in the championship match. Both teams have shown remarkable consistency, with Pakistan topping the points table after securing three wins and a draw, while Japan has matched this performance with three victories and a draw as well.

In the standings, Malaysia and New Zealand are tied at six points each, closely followed by Korea with three points. Canada, still seeking their first win, remains at the bottom of the table. A recent match highlighted Pakistan's strength as they overcame an early deficit against Canada to claim a narrow 5-4 victory. Standout performances from Abu Bakr Mahmood, Arshad Liaqat, Rana Waheed Ashraf, and Ghazanfar Ali secured the win for Pakistan, while Canada's goals came from Sean Davis, Harbir Sindhu, and Avjot Buttar.

The clash between Pakistan and Japan ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, with Rana Waheed Ashraf's late penalty corner goal leveling the score after Ken Nagayoshi had put Japan ahead. Pakistan's earlier victories over South Korea and Malaysia have set the stage for an evenly matched final, showcasing the best of international field hockey at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 has been a display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, with Pakistan and Japan emerging as the top contenders for the title. As the tournament reaches its pinnacle, fans can look forward to an exciting final that promises to deliver high-quality field hockey action.