Pakistan continue winning streak in Azlan Shah Cup
Asian Games champions Pakistan came alive in the last nine minutes of their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match against South Korea, beating the former champions 4-2 to go top of the standings.
Despite trailing the Koreans twice in the match, three goals in the last few minutes turned the tide and gave them full points. Team manager Khwaja Junaid was all praise for his team’s effort in withstanding 70 minutes of competitive hockey.
“We’ve never been a 70-minute team and many times we’ve faltered at the latter stages of a match,” said Junaid. “It shows the mental strength of the players.”
The Koreans took the lead in the 13th minute from a penalty corner taken by Hyun Hya-sung. Rehan Butt then pulled his team level for a 1-1 half-time score. South Korea again moved ahead in the second-half courtesy Hya-sung with another set piece move.
The turning point for Pakistan came in the 63rd minute when Sohail Abbas scored through a penalty corner. A minute later, Abdul Haseem Khan scored a field goal and Waqas Akbar ended a great day for Pakistan with a 70th minute strike.
Rupinderpal sinks Britain
India’s Rupinderpal Singh scored the first hat-trick of the tournament as Great Britain crashed to a 3-1 defeat. Rupinderpal opened his account with a 10th-minute strike for a 1-0 first-half lead and was again on target in the 55th and 57th minutes. James Tindell scored a consolation goal for Britain. Australia opened their account with a 2-1 win over Malaysia in the day’s third and final match.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2011.
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