Abu Bakar Mahmood’s brace inspires Pakistan’s second-half comeback in the second Test against South Korea
Pakistan staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test of the Pakistan-South Korea hockey series at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
The national team overturned a first-half deficit with a dominant performance after the break, delighting local fans and strengthening confidence ahead of future international fixtures.
The match began with both teams displaying disciplined defensive structures and creating limited scoring opportunities.
South Korea managed to break the deadlock just before halftime when Son Dain found the back of the net with a field goal in the 30th minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Despite trailing at the interval, Pakistan returned to the field with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off early in the second half when Abdul Rehman scored a well-executed field goal in the 33rd minute to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer shifted momentum in Pakistan’s favor as the hosts increased pressure on the Korean defense.
Pakistan continued to attack and eventually took the lead in the 52nd minute. Captain Abu Bakar Mahmood successfully converted a penalty corner, putting the home side ahead 2-1. The goal energized the team and the crowd as Pakistan moved closer to securing victory in the highly competitive encounter.
With South Korea searching for an equalizer in the closing stages, Pakistan remained composed and capitalized on another penalty-corner opportunity.
Abu Bakar Mahmood struck again in the final minute of the match, converting his second penalty corner to seal a convincing 3-1 win for the national side.
The captain’s outstanding display earned him the Player of the Match award. His leadership and finishing ability proved decisive in Pakistan’s successful comeback.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi attended the match as the chief guest and witnessed the exciting contest.
Speaking after the game, he welcomed the revival of international hockey activities in Pakistan and described the successful hosting of the series as a positive step for the country’s hockey development.
During the post-match ceremony, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a commemorative shield to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, marking the occasion and celebrating the successful conduct of the international series.