Azlan Shah cup: So near yet so far

Pakistan downed in Azlan Shah final, Australia crowned champions.

IPOH, MALAYSIA:

World champions Australia won the 20th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after beating Pakistan 3-2 in a nail-biter that went onto the golden goal in extra-time.

Australia were early to take the lead in the 11th minute when Christopher Ciriello netted a goal off their second penalty corner but Pakistan soon spurred back in search of the equaliser. It came in the 31st minute off their second penalty corner when Sohail Abbas dragged a strong flick to beat goal-keeper George Bazeley.

Australia regained the lead in the 44th minute through a field goal by Glenn Turner, only for Rehan Butt to draw level with another equaliser in the 61st minute sending the match into added-time.

Both teams had their chances to score the golden goal but it was Australia who prevailed through a Ciriello winner to give Australia their sixth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title.

Pakistan manager Khwaja Junaid was happy with the performance of the players but was anguished at his side’s failure to take their chances to grab the winner.

“It was a good show by the players and they played one of the best matches here,” said Junaid. “It shows that despite having a young team we can play good hockey as the youngsters are maturing quickly.”

Pakistan had the consolation of adding two individual awards to their silver medal. Shakeel Abbasi was named the best player of the tournament while Sohail Abbas was the joint top scorer with India’s Rupinder Singh with six goals.

Meanwhile, South Korea finished fifth after holding off India 2-1 in a repeat of last year’s washed-out final. On the other hand, Great Britain bounced back from a lethargic start to beat New Zealand 4-2 and finished at third place in the 20th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2011.