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BELFAST: Pakistan drew 2-2 with Ireland in the first game of the three-match hockey series at Lisnagarvey.

An interesting edge of seat contest saw the hosts twice coming from behind to hold Pakistan 2-2.

In front of a packed house, the green shirts went ahead early in the 9th minute when Aleem Bilal converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick.

The lead did not last long. Connor Harte, who was playing his 200th international, availed a pass from Shane O' Donoghue in the 17th minute.

Just two minutes before the half-time, Ali Shan restored the lead for Pakistan when he put in the ball after a Dilber try had rebounded off the goal keeper's pads.

Ali Shan restored Pakistan's lead before half-time but the tantalising battle continued on resumption as Jeremy Duncan's late goal earned the Irish a draw.

In the last quarter, Jeremy Duncan finished off an excellent combined move involving Alan Sothern and Matthew Nelson to make it 2-2.

The second match of the three test series is scheduled on Saturday.