Pakistan edge South Korea in thriller

Pakistan survived a nerve-wracking opening match of the Test series against South Korea on Tuesday, prevailing 4-3 in sudden death after the two sides were locked at 5-5 at the end of regulation time.

The contest, played at a high tempo in Korea, produced an attacking display as both teams repeatedly threatened the opposition goal. Neither side was able to establish control for long.

Pakistan’s goals in regulation time came through field attempts, with Sufyan Khan hitting a brace. Ahmed Nadeem, Muhammad Imad and Rana Waheed added one each as Pakistan mounted sustained pressure on the South Korean defence.

South Korea, however, responded strongly and produced an impressive comeback to level the match at 5-5, forcing the game into a shootout after neither team could find a winning goal during regulation time.

The shootout was equally tense, with both teams leveled 3-3. Pakistan then held its nerve in sudden death, with the Pakistani goalkeeper producing the decisive save to deny South Korea and secure victory for the visitors.

Zakaria Hayat scored twice during the shootout and Arbaz, Rana Waheed and Hannan Shahid also found the target. Ahmed Nadeem, Imad Butt and Muhammad Imad took part in the shootout and contributed to Pakistan’s eventual success.

The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series and provides the team with an important boost ahead of the remaining matches.

These matches will help Pakistan prepare for this month’s Asian Games to be held in Japan.