PESHAWAR, Aug 27 (APP):After three huge wins against the
minnows, Pakistan had their first real test when it defeated Malaysia by 4-1 in
a thrilling encounter of the hockey event part of the ongoing 18th
Asian Games being played Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Sports Complex, Jakarta,
Indonesia on Monday.
Pakistan came across Malaysia who too had won their three
games comprehensively but failed to click against spirited Pakistani side in a
one-sided affair.
The first half saw more or less an even contest and it
was 1-1 after 30 minutes. Both Pakistan and Malaysia raided each other defence
but failed to do any worthwhile things. The Green Shirts were easily the better
side in the next half an hour and went out with a well-deserved 4-1 victory.
After Malaysia’s first penalty corner was well
anticipated by the net minder Imran Butt in the third minute, Pakistan went
ahead with their opening penalty corner in the sixth minute. Experienced Irfan
Senior’s well directed flick found the middle of the net’s left side.
Pakistan’s two reverse attempts from top of the circle
were well taken by the Malaysian goal keeper Kumar. Malaysia equalized in the
11th minute also through a penalty corner. Faiz Halmi Jali’s flat and angular
push completely deceived the Pakistani defenders and Imran Butt.
Second period was also even. Pakistan twice had back to
back penalty corners but some good rushing did not let them avail any of the
four. Malaysia relying mainly on the counters had two excellent opportunities
but couldn’t make them count; once the ball came off the pole.
The third quarter saw Pakistan firing on all the
cylinders. The ball mostly remained in their opponents’ territory. They had
three back to back penalty corners but first the rusher and then the poorly
executed indirect attempts denied them the goal. Soon the 9th penalty corner was
also wasted.
However, the persistent pressure paid off. In the 38th
minute Ali Shan brilliantly penetrated into the circle from the left. His
parallel hit was easily caressed in by Ajaz Ahmad standing unmarked close to
the opposite pool.
Four minutes later, it was 3-1 as the 10th
penalty corner was converted. Mubashar Ali’s fast and strong flick found the
left side of the tin. Just two minutes into the fourth quarter, Pakistan’s
fourth goal arrived.
A swift move saw Malaysian defence in tatters and Ajaz
Ahmad in the center of the circle applied the finishing touch for his second of
the evening. Green Shirts apparently took the foot off the gas in the last
minutes. Malaysia did have a couple of field chances and a penalty corner but
failed to reduce the margin.
Pakistan’s last pool match is against Bangladesh, who had
three wins and one loss. Barring a big defeat against them, which is most
unlikely, Pakistan are assured of not only the semi-final spot but also winning
their pool.
SCORERS:
Pakistan: Ajaz Ahmad 2, M.Irfan Senior (1#penalty corner),
Mubashar Ali (1#penalty corner)
Malaysia: Faiz Helmi Jali
