GNIEZNO (Poland): In a spirited comeback, Pakistan played to a 4-4 draw against Malaysia on the opening day of the FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno on Friday.
The green shirts were trailing 4-1 in the third quarter before launching a magnificent revival to even the match.
Pakistan is placed in pool ‘B’ alongside Canada, France, and Malaysia, while pool ‘A’ comprises Austria, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, and South Africa.
Pakistan had a poor start, conceding three early goals in the first quarter. Fitri Saari put Malaysia ahead in the fourth minute with a penalty stroke, followed by Abu Kamal Azrai, who made it 2-0 just three minutes later.
The Pakistani defenders continued to make mistakes, resulting in two conceded penalty corners and a penalty stroke in the first quarter. Malaysia capitalized again, making it 3-0 when Faizal Saari scored from a penalty corner. Pakistan earned penalty corners but failed to convert any of them.
The second quarter was goalless, with both teams trying to penetrate each other’s defenses but failing to score as the first half ended.
In the third quarter, Abdul Ramzan opened the account for Pakistan with a field goal in the 32nd minute. However, Malaysia restored their three-goal lead in the 42nd minute with another penalty stroke. Sufyan Khan scored Pakistan’s second goal in the 43rd minute from a penalty corner, ending the third quarter with Malaysia ahead 4-2.
The fourth quarter started briskly, with Pakistan’s forwards trying their best to create openings. Their efforts paid off when Hannan Shahid scored for Pakistan in the 52nd minute.
As the match neared its end, Malaysia was leading 4-3, but in the dying moments, Pakistan’s forwards earned a penalty stroke. Abu Bakar Mahmood converted the opportunity into a goal in the final minute, earning Pakistan a stunning 4-4 draw in their tournament opener.
Pakistan will face Canada in their next pool match on Sunday.
The winners of the May 31-June 9 FIH Nations Cup will qualify for the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25.
