Pakistan v Oman: Colts find their attacking groove

U18 side maul their Middle Eastern counterparts 6-1 in second match

KARACHI: After a disappointing 2-2 draw in the opening test, Pakistan were a much better side in the follow-up game against Oman, thrashing the Middle Eastern visitors 6-1 at National Hockey Stadium in Lahore on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match Pak-Oman U18 Hockey test series.

The hosts came out firing on all cylinders and scored the opening goal in only the third minute when an attacking move from the left side found Awais Rasheed at the top of the circle and he opened the account with a well-placed push, which deceived the entire Omani defence.

The lead was doubled in the 16th minute when Moeen Shakeel’s cross from the right was easily converted by Naveed Alam at the far post.



The Colts, now surging forward frequently and in numbers, then struck twice more as Khairullah pounced on a rebound in the 19th minute before Alam dribbled past three defenders in the 21st minute to put his team up 4-0.

Despite facing such a massive deficit, Oman players kept their heads up and earned two penalty corners in a short span, although they weren’t able to convert either of those.

Pakistan resumed the second half as they had started the first, with Afraz, after capitalising on some lax defending, netted in the 39th and 41st minute to fire his team up 6-0.



Two minutes later, Pakistan defence made a mistake and visitors Adnan Abdullah, unmarked at the top of the circle, easily netted a consolation for his hapless team.

“The boys have bounced back really well. After the disappointment of the opening game, they showcased their skills in the second match and showed what they really are,” head coach Kamran Ashraf told The Express Tribune.

“We are looking forward to winning the next two matches. The boys are getting some great practice and this experience will benefit them greatly in the upcoming Asia Cup.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2016.

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