Pakistan held despite 3-0 lead

New Zealand bounce back to earn draw in junior hockey event.

KARACHI: Pakistan failed to capitalise on a 3-0 lead as New Zealand bounced back to earn a draw in the opening match of the Sultan Johor Cup junior hockey tournament that got underway at Johor Baru, Malaysia yesterday.

Mohammad Dilber scored a brace to put Pakistan ahead but the team was let down by poor defence.

According to details made available, the young brigade dominated the first-half with Dilber scoring the opening goal. Pakistan continued their aggressive game and, while New Zealand earned a penalty corner, goal-keeper and captain Mazhar Abbas was upto the task.

Mohammad Irfan then made it 2-0 before Dilber scored again in the 30th minute as Pakistan went into the interval in a dominant position.

However, the break seemed to have done wonders for the New Zealand side. They opened their account in the 50th minute when Jared Panchia deflected on a pass from Brennan Alexander. New Zealand inched closer through a goal from Benedict Van Woerkom in the 56th minute before Kane equalised in the 70th minute.

Pakistan play Australia, who went down to India 2-0, in their second match today.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2012.