Pakistan emerged victorious over Japan in their second match of the FIH Nations Cup, scoring 3-2 at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. After initially trailing 2-1, Pakistan staged a comeback to secure the win against Japan.

Ghazanfar Ali opened the scoring for Pakistan in the first quarter, but Japan quickly equalized through a goal by Kazumasa. Koji Yamasaki then put Japan in the lead, ending the first quarter with Japan ahead 2-1. No goals were scored in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Rana Waheed Ashraf scored to level the match at 2-2. Sufiyan Khan's goal from a penalty corner in the final quarter secured a 3-2 victory for Pakistan.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in their third group match at the same venue on Wednesday. In their previous match against Malaysia, Pakistan drew 3-3 despite holding the lead twice during the game.

The tournament format includes preliminary pool matches, with the top teams advancing to the semi-finals on June 20 and the final matches on June 21. The FIH Hockey Nations Cup is a crucial event for teams aiming to qualify for the elite FIH Hockey Pro League.

The Pakistan squad for the Nations Cup includes players like Ammad Butt, Rana Waheed, Muneer-ur-Rehman, and others.