The meeting between the two teams would act as a prelude to their semi-final encounter in two days time, with both nations having been assured of finishing in either second or third place.

Pakistan will head into the semi-final showdown with a mental boost as they won the first of the quick-fire meetings at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.

A solitary 53rd minute strike from Muhammad Irfan would give Pakistan a 1-0 win in their final round robin match.

The result saw them leapfrog Malaysia in the standings, with the teams finishing with the same record of three wins, one draw and a defeat in their five matches.

Both teams ended on 10 points, three behind group winners India, who concluded their round robin campaign yesterday.

India will take on Japan in the semi-final stage of the tournament.

Japan had been assured of finishing fourth in the group after South Korea lost their final match to India yesterday.

The Japanese team were able to enjoy a 5-0 triumph over the host nation today to give them a boost heading into the last four match against India, where they will begin as clear underdogs.

The result left Oman pointless in the group, having lost all five of their matches.

They still have a chance to pick up a victory when they meet South Korea in the fifth place play-off game.

This will take place on Saturday (October 27), along with the semi-finals.

Teams will enjoy a rest day tomorrow.