Pakistan Outplays Malaysia 4-1 In Sultan Of Johor Hockey Cup

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 03rd Nov, 2016 ) : Pakistan junior team, in a wonderful show easily went past the hosts Malaysia 4-1 in Sultan of Johor Junior Hockey Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Wednesday.

The green shirts put up impressive show against the hosts who had drawn with the mighty Australians yesterday, said the information made available to APP here. First half was fiercely contested with pole to pole game almost throughout.

With ball often seen in the two circles. But the second half was completely dominated by Pakistan as far as ball possession goes though they added just one goal. Interestingly, Malaysians had almost the same number of circle penetrations as Pakistan but the green shirts had thrice as many shots on the goal.

Pakistan's play in the areas that matter i.e. the 23 metre and circle at either end was more meaningful and decisive. Pakistani attacks were defence splitting and incisive. Their deep defence was compact and composed.

Pakistan led 3-1 at half time. First goal came off the PC in the seventh minute, Abubakr's fast high flick went to goal keeper's right. Lead was doubled in the 20th minute through a three player move which had goal written all over it.

Initiated by Rizwan who covered around 30 metres along the right flank, it was well finished by captain Dilber.

Malaysia were awarded a controversial penalty stroke in the 25th minute. Najmi Jazlan beat Pakistani shot stopper Muneebur Rehman to make it 2-1.

The hosts applied considerable pressure to come to equal terms but Pakistanis defended well. The green shirts regained the two goal advantage five minutes before the half time. A combined sortie-typical of the day-had the Malaysian defence in tatters and Shan Irshad scored.

Shortly after resumption, Malaysia' first PC was cleared off by Pakistan after the ball remained in the circle for quite some time. Immediately, Pakistan's fourth goal arrived. In the 39th minute, Rana Sohail in a sublime display of stick work in a close space along the right side goal line went past a defender as well as the goal keeper.

His goal bound push was given final touch by Samiuallah. Pakistan had many more chances but failed to hit the target. After three matches, Pakistan have seven points. They are the joint leaders with Australia in the 6-nation tournament, who they face next on Friday. Scorers: Pakistan: Abubakr 7', Dilber 20', Shan Irshad 30', Samiullah 39' Malaysia Najmi Jazlan 25'