Asian Champions Trophy: Pakistan post 5-2 win over China

Waqas, Haseem shine in encounter at Asian hockey.

KARACHI: Muhammad Waqas and Abdul Haseem Khan scored a brace each as Pakistan registered their second consecutive victory at the Asian Champions Trophy, overcoming China 5-2 in Doha yesterday.

However, the greenshirts struggled in the opening session as China gave a tough time to the pre-event favourites. But despite China’s defiance, Pakistan eventually gained control of the first-half, leading 3-2 at the breather.

The second-half saw Pakistan displaying better defense, preventing their counterparts from scoring further. The Mohammad Imran-led team scored two more goals in the final session to seal the win. Shakeel Abbasi added one goal to the team’s score.

A team official said Pakistan’s performance will improve with the tournament’s progress.

“Our defense is not up to the mark,” the official told The Express Tribune from Doha.

“But hopefully the team will adjust to the conditions and the turf here to put up a better show in all departments.”

Pakistan beat Oman in opener  

Meanwhile, Pakistan overcame Oman to record an 8-3 victory at the opening match of the tournament.

Pakistan were initially stunned by the weaker opponents, who scored two early goals and were leading 2-1 at one stage of the match.

However, Pakistan bounced back with Abbasi guiding the team to a comfortable win in the end with an impressive hat-trick. Two goals from Waqas and one each by Mohammad Rizwan Senior, Imran and Haseem contributed to the win.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2012.