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India played out a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Pakistan in their third Pool A game to continue their unbeaten run in the men's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Salalah, Oman on Saturday.
Also Read: Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023 hockey: India registered 3-1 win over Japan in their second Pool A game
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Sharda Nand Tiwari (24') gave India the lead in the high-stakes Junior Asia Cup hockey match. But Basharat Ali equalized in the 44th minute. With this draw India, with seven points from three matches, are second in Pool A behind Pakistan (equal points) but ahead on goal difference. Meanwhile, Japan, who beat Chinese Taipei 10-1 on Saturday, are in third place with six points from three matches. India whitewashed Chinese Taipei 18–0 before whitewashing Japan 3–1 in their second match.
The Indians were on the offensive from the start and kept Pakistan's defense under pressure with repeated attacks. India won two penalty corners early in the game but failed to convert them. Pakistan, on the other hand, also managed to create a few chances and even came close to scoring through a penalty corner. But Indian goalkeeper Amandeep Lakra was solid in front of goal as the first quarter ended goalless.
However, India broke the deadlock in the second quarter when Sharad Nand brilliantly converted a penalty corner to give their side the much-needed lead. Leading 1–0, Indian began to play more confidently and troubled Pakistan's defense on several occasions. But they failed to find the back of the net for the second time in the second quarter and went into half time with a narrow lead.
Desperate to equalize, Pakistan began with an attacking mindset after the change of ends. After that, Basharat scored a field goal a minute into the third quarter. India, eager to gain an advantage, went full throttle in the fourth quarter while Pakistan relied more on counters. India will face Thailand in their final group clash on Sunday in the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament.