Great Britain ended Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a 3-2 victory, leaving the Asian side with a slender lead at the top.
Britain won despite coming under pressure in the final stages of the match and coach Jason Lee was clearly relieved at his team’s fighting win.
“It was a much better performance than when we played against India,” said Lee.
Robert Moore opened the scoring in the eighth minute from a field attempt before Sohail Abbas levelled in the 31st minute. In the second-half Pakistan went on the offensive and came close through Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and Waqas Akbar only to be denied by goal-keeper Nicholas Brothers.
Four minutes into the second half, Jonathan Clarke put Britain ahead before scoring again in the 63rd minute.
However, Pakistan hit back through Abdul Haseem Khan but that was their last goal as Britian sealed the 3-2 win.
Australia held by India
Meanwhile, world champions Australia were held to a 1-1 draw by India thanks to a superb defensive performance against a second-half onslaught from the world’s leading team. Australia coach Ric Charlesworth was disappointed at his team’s show.
“We were responsible as we didn’t take our chances,” said Charlesworth.
Meanwhile, South Korea and New Zealand played out a 1-1 draw. Benjamin Collier gave the Kiwis the lead but the Koreans hit back courtesy Jang Jong Hyun.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2011.
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