Britain performed well in the first period with some good possession play, though Abdul Haseem Khan shot narrowly wide early on, before Ashley Jackson responded with an effort which just missed the target.

Finding space, Jason Lee's men were a threat from corners but could not make it count, and were left to rue that when Muhammad Imran put Pakistan in front following a powerful penalty corner flick.

It almost got worse before it got better for Britain as Muhammad Zubair came agonisingly close to doubling the lead, but James Fair made a superb block off his line.

Following Fair's heroics, Britain finally got back on level terms as Barry Middleton linked up with Jackson before finding Pearn at the back post, and he kept his cool to level the scores – and net his seventh Champions Trophy goal.

With the game becoming more stretched, Mantell almost gave Britain the lead, whilst Pakistan continued to threaten, Haseem Khan wasting a good chance.

With time running out, Mantell's shot deflected into the path of Jackson, who returned the ball into the centre for the Reading man to lash into the roof of the net.

Lee was delighted with the performance of his players after the game, and said: "It was great to see so many positives for so many individuals today.

"Ben Hawes was back in a major tournament for the first time after injury.

"Mark Gleghorne and Iain Lewers both played in their first Champions Trophy matches and Mark Pearn has scored his first Champions Trophy goal in ten years."

Australia beat Spain 3-2 in the day's other game, meaning that Britain are level on points with the holders going into the clash between the pair.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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