Junior hockey team goes down to Malaysia

Pakistan suffer fourth successive defeat at Sultan of Johor Cup.

KARACHI: The Pakistan junior hockey team’s poor show at the Sultan of Johor Cup continued as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against lower-ranked Malaysia, their fourth successive loss in the six-nation tournament, underway at Johor Baru.        

Pakistan, who were thrashed by arch-rivals India 5-1 on Tuesday, never looked settled as the hosts dominated the proceedings.

Malaysia scored the opener in the 13th minute and doubled the lead six minutes into the second half.

However, Pakistan reduced the deficit after Mohammad Umer scored and kept searching for the equaliser. However, Malaysia maintained their lead till the final whistle to keep their chances alive for the final.

Pakistan also succumbed to New Zealand and South Korea earlier in the tournament. They will seek a consolation win against Australia in their last league match tomorrow.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th,  2011.