LAHORE – 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.
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.
Pakistani attacks were defence-splitting and incisive. Their deep defence was compact and composed.
The first goal came off the PC in the seventh minute, Abubakr’s fast high flick went to goal keeper’s right.
The lead was doubled in the 20th minute through a three-player move which had the goal written all over it.
Malaysia was 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.
After three matches, Pakistan has 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’
–APP
