Pakistan outclass NZ in one-off hockey battle

Abbasi shines with brace in Greenshirts’ 4-1 win.

KARACHI:

Improving their performance from the recently-concluded Four Nations Hockey Tournament, Pakistan outsmarted New Zealand 4-1 in a one-off Test match, courtesy experienced striker Shakeel Abbasi who scored two goals to seal the victory in Amsterdam.

Pakistan, who finished at the bottom of the table after a dismal campaign at the Four Nations event, came back strongly and dominated the match from the start of the match. The Asian Games gold medalists demonstrated exceptional goal-scoring abilities without missing many chances.

Abbasi gave Pakistan early lead by executing an aggressive move and finding the net on the occasion. The former captain then doubled the lead by marking another field-goal but the Kiwis reduced the lead soon after as Pakistan led 2-1 at the end of the first-half.

The winners maintained their form in the second-half and another successful attempt on target gave them a 3-1 lead, with young striker Haseem Khan scoring the third goal.

Later, veteran short-corner specialist Sohail Abbas wrapped up a 4-1 win by successfully converting a penalty corner, before the final hooter sounded and the Greenshirts began their celebrations.

“It was an impressive comeback especially after our recent loss,” team manager Khwaja Junaid told The Express Tribune. “New Zealand is a good side and it’s an encouraging win. It will definitely boost our confidence.

“The important thing is that the team did not lose confidence after finishing last in the Four Nations tournament,” the manager said before adding that a unified team effort was the key to their victory.

The Pakistan side will now play Belgium in a two-Test series starting today.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2011.