Jakarta, May 23 (FN Representative) In a high-voltage opening match between neighbouring sub-continent nations, an inexperienced second-string Indian squad conceded a late goal to Pakistan as the contest ended in 1-1 draw at the prestigious Hero Asia Cup at GBK Arena here on Monday. The goal for India came under six minutes and Pakistan’s in 59th. Karti Selvam’s debut goal put India in front via a penalty corner. The 20 years old youngster did not get grip on the drag flick, but was lucky that the ball deflected off the stick of Pakistan defender Muhammad Abdullah. Pakistan made plenty of forays into the Indian half, but went without scoring goals. But Ajaz Ahmed sent a vicious one in from the right just before the hooter went up after piercing down the flank. Just a touch inside the D would have given Pakistan an equaliser in the first quarter itself. India successfully defended the lead in the second quarter as they controlled the onslaughts, while a volatile Pakistan showcased flashes of brilliance, but were overshadowed by some astounding errors, especially when trapping drag flicks off penalty corners.
In the third quarter, some big chances came Pakistan’s way, but they failed to convert. Also India lost some chances, but did well to keep Pakistan at bay. Abdul Rana collected a pass that came from outside the D after beating three Indian defenders. The Pakistani had to just beat Surak Karkera, but the Indian keeper saved the shot from piercing into the board. Pakistan missed another big chance as Ajaz Ahmed missed an absolute sitter with no Indian near him before taking an aim on to the goal. He went for the empty far post and missed it. For Pakistan fans, it was hands on head moment India had back-to-back penalty corners, but both went begging. Selvam, who scored the first goal, took the drag flick on both occasions and while the first one got India another penalty corner, the second went wide. In the fourth quarter, Simranjeet Singh had an opportunity to give India the lead again dramatically in the last 10 seconds after he received the ball in the D, but his shot went wide. Pakistan put up successive waves of attack in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter and the pressure finally gave them a goal via Abdul Rana off a penalty corner. India made a referral against the goal, but the umpire saw no dangerous play there and the goal stood.