Pakistan hold India to goalless draw

Colts remain alive in Johor Cup after sharing points.

KARACHI: Following an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Australia, Pakistan put on a rejuvenated effort to hold India to a 0-0 draw at the Sultan of Johor Cup Junior hockey tournament in Malaysia. 

The draw gave Pakistan a prized point as the colts remain in contention for the final.

India faced a tough fight from Pakistan as the game looked even with both sides exchanging attacks. While there was some pace in the first half that saw India’s Gurmail Singh receiving a green card, no team earned a penalty-corner in the session. Pakistan got a good opportunity in the second half but Mohammad Irfan failed to connect. India also came close to scoring when Pradeep Singh’s volley hit the upright in the 46th minute.

In another match, Australia overcame hosts Malaysia 3-2, while Germany finally opened their account with a 5-1 drubbing over New Zealand.

India lead the table and are followed by Australia while Pakistan, who are yet to win a match, are placed at the bottom. The Greenshirts will take on Malaysia in their penultimate match today.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2012.