Hockey: Pakistan record much-needed win

Junior hockey team defeats Australia in Sultan of Johor Cup.

KARACHI: After suffering four successive defeats, the Pakistan junior hockey team finally registered a victory as they edged out Australia 3-2 in their last league match at the six-nation Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Baru, Malaysia.  

Pakistan lost to Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and India to slide to the bottom of the group but recorded a win over Australia, who have already qualified for the final.

Pakistan scored the opener when Mohammad Dilber found the net in the eighth minute. Aleem Bilal made it 2-0 on a 14th-minute penalty before Australia reduced the deficit six minutes later.  Australia levelled on a controversial 33rd-minute goal as Pakistan staged a walkout before play resumed.

Pakistan scored in the very next minute when Mohammad Suleman deflected neatly to find the net and earn a 3-2 lead at half time.

Both teams wasted opportunities in the second half, which proved more costly for Australia as Pakistan recorded their first win in the tournament. They will now seek a fifth-place finish against New Zealand today.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th,  2011.