Twice behind, Pakistan's young players refused to fold, holding Japan 2-2 on Friday to book a place in the Sultan of Johor Cup final. Hamza Fayyaz scored in the 34th minute and Ghulam Mustafa in the 43rd in the final round-robin match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.
Both teams finished the league stage on seven points with an identical goal difference of plus eight. Pakistan went through on goals scored, with 18 to Japan's 16.
The Green Shirts ended the preliminary round with two wins, a draw and a defeat. They beat China 8-3 and Canada 6-2 before a narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Malaysia.
Pakistan meet unbeaten Malaysia in Saturday's final at the same venue, with a chance to avenge that league defeat and lift the title.