The Greenshirts lose to the Kiwis. STOCK IMAGE
Pakistan started the contest well and took a two-goal lead as Muhammad Umar Bhutta drew first blood just two minutes into the game, while Shafqat Rasool doubled the advantage 10 minutes later to end the first quarter at 2-0.
However, the Greenshirts failed to capitalise on their advantage and allowed too much space to New Zealand, who were quick to pounce on the opportunity and halved the deficit through Andy Hayward in the 23rd minute as the 29-year-old scored from a penalty corner.
Forward Jared Panchia equalised 30 seconds into stoppage time to ensure that both teams start the third quarter on level terms.
In the 39th minute, Pakistan conceded a penalty corner and Phil Burrows successfully converted to give his side the lead before Marcus Child added another, nine minutes later, to take the contest out of reach for the Greenshirts.
Citing the inexperience of younger players as the major factor leading to the defeat, skipper Muhammad Imran insisted that the Greenshirts have improved since they entered the tournament, and the rematch against Korea would serve as the best platform to judge their performance.
“The young players who are on their first or second international tour were unable to handle the pressure,” Imran told The Express Tribune from Hobart. “We do need some fine-tuning but are looking forward to having another crack at Korea to see how much we have developed since our first game against them.”
Pakistan have a day’s rest on Friday before a rematch against Korea on Saturday.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2015.
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