Asia Cup 2022: India 1-1 Pakistan

India took control nine minutes into the game when debutant Karthi Selvam found the back of the net. Unfortunately, Abdul Rana set their neighbours' hopes on fire after converting a penalty corner at the 59th minute. India will next play against Japan on Tuesday in the second Pool A match and host Indonesia on May 26. 

Pakistan couldn't convert a penalty corner in the third minute, and seconds later, it was India's turn, but the Pakistan goalie Akmal Hussain saved Neelam Sanjip Xess' effort. India's second penalty corner was converted by Karthi, who scored his first international goal. 

Both sides failed to convert the next set of penalty corners. Pakistan goalkeeper Hussain stopped India's Rajbhar and Uttam Singh's hits. 

The third quarter witnessed a flurry of failed efforts by both teams. India let off their guard before the final two minutes, which led to a penalty corner for Pakistan. Rana struck from a rebound after Mubashar Ali's flick and was saved at the goal line by Yashdeep Siwach. Meanwhile, Malaysia beat Oman 7-0, Korea decimated Bangladesh 6-1 in Pool B, while Japan defeated hosts Indonesia 9-0 in Pool A.

India and Pakistan are looking to outdo each other; South Korea is the biggest competitor

India aims to defend their title won in the last edition of the championship in 2017. Both the countries have won the Asia Cup three times each. Like cricket, India-Pakistan hockey matches rig up the excitement on both sides of the border. Both teams have been tough contenders in the sport, meeting each other in several Olympics and World Cup finals. South Korea happens to be the most successful team in the Asia Cup as they have won the title four times in previous editions.