Sultan of Johor Cup : Pakistan draw 0-0 against Great Britain

The junior hockey team had earlier lost its first two matches

KARACHI: The Pakistan junior hockey team managed to avoid a third successive defeat by playing out a stalemate with Great Britain — the strongest side in the event so far —in their third fixture of the Sultan of Johor Cup at Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Wednesday.

The colts played an attacking game while their defence stayed strong as well as both sides failed to score.

Pakistan received just one penalty corner and Great Britain were given two, but both teams failed to capitalise on the opportunities.

Pakistan skipper Muhammad Dilber says the team, after finally adjusting to the conditions, bounced back well from the first two defeats and showed their true potential.

Read: Sultan of Johor Cup India thrash Pakistan 5-1 in opener

“Great Britain defeated Malaysia 4-2 and defending champions India 4-3 in their first two games so it’s an honour for me and the team to play out a draw against the strongest side in the competition so far,” Dilber told The Express Tribune.

“As the only senior player in the team, I have a huge responsibility of guiding them in this tournament,” he said. “The way all the players played today was a perfect example of team work. We all played like a unit.”

The captain added that with their confidence restored, they were hoping to do better than last year’s sixth-place finish.

Meanwhile, Great Britain coach Jon Bleby said, “This match really showcased the different playing styles between Asia and Europe, which was very exciting to see.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2015.

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