Pakistan cruised into the final of inaugural Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final after their last league match against arch-rival India ended in a 2-2 draw in Ordos, China. Unbeaten in the tournament, India dominated the barren first half but conceded two goals in two minutes to trail 0-2 by the 42nd minute only to come from behind to draw the match under chilly and windy conditions.
With today's draw, Pakistan booked a berth for the summit clash with 10 points from three wins and a draw. Pakistan took a 2-0 lead through Muhammad Waqas (40th minute) and Muhammad Irfan (42nd) but India responded immediately with Rupinder finding the target from an indirect penalty corner while Danish Mujtaba scored the equaliser in the 53rd minute after.
Mujtaba's equaliser, a deflection from his stick, was a tad controversial as New Zealand umpire Simon Taylor did not initially award a goal. But the Indians appealed and the South Korean umpire, after consultations with Taylor, let the goal stand. India, ending the group round-robin league unbeaten on nine points from two wins and three draws, will have to wait for the results of the match between Japan and Malaysia to know whether they will make it to the final or not. If Malaysia beat Japan, India sail through to the final provided South Korea, who are on six points, do not beat China by more than seven goals. Japan, on seven points, will pip India to the final if they beat Malaysia.
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