The Pakistan national hockey team edged past Canada with a nail-biting 5-4 victory in their fourth pool match at the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Wednesday.
The win further bolsters their chances of securing a spot in the final of the tournament, which is currently being held in Ipoh, Malaysia.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation provided details of the match, noting that Canada initially took control early on. Canadian forward Sean Davis opened the scoring in the 5th minute, followed by a second goal from Harbir Sidhu in the 17th minute, putting considerable pressure on the Pakistan team.
However, the momentum shifted as Pakistan’s Abubakar Mahmood delivered a stunning performance, scoring back-to-back goals in the 28th and 29th minutes, leveling the scoreline before halftime. The second half saw a renewed Pakistani side as goalkeeper Abdullah Ashfaq Khan stepped into the goal, bringing stability and experience to the defense.
Pakistan’s offense caught fire in the second half, with Arshad Liaqat finding the net in the 36th minute, followed by goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf and Ghazanfar Ali in the 44th and 45th minutes, respectively. These quick successions solidified Pakistan’s lead, momentarily shaking the Canadian team.
Canada wasn’t ready to concede, as Sean Davis once again showed his prowess by scoring another field goal in the 45th minute, and Avijot Butter narrowing the gap with a goal in the 50th minute. Despite Canada’s late surge, Pakistan managed to hold onto their lead, finishing the match 5-4.
This victory brings Pakistan’s point tally to 10 from four matches, positioning them as a strong contender for the championship title. The team has shown a remarkable blend of resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tournament.
Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in their fifth and final pool match on Friday, which will be crucial for their aspirations to make the finals. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is witnessing intense competition with six teams participating, including hosts Malaysia, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Canada.
The tournament has been a showcase of international hockey talent, with each match providing a glimpse into the strategies and capabilities of the competing nations. As Pakistan gears up for their next game, fans back home are hopeful and enthusiastic about their team’s chances of bringing home the coveted Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
