Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan Beat Malaysia

Web Desk – Pakistan started its journey at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament with a victory as the Green Shirts defeated the host Malaysia 5-4 with a last-minute winner by Abu Mahmood on Saturday in Ipoh, Perak.

The exciting nine-goal thriller saw some of the best goals as the Green Shirts surprisingly managed to emerge victorious after a tense 60-minute battle.

Pakistan got a penalty corner in the early moments which Sufyan Khan successfully converted into a goal. The Malaysian team quickly responded and levelled the score with Abu Kamal Arzai scoring for the home side.

The first quarter ended 1-1 but Malaysia didn’t delay much to take the lead in the second quarter as Arzai scored once again. In the third quarter, Arzai completed his hat-trick and put his side in the safe position.

It was difficult for Pakistan to even level the score. However, the Pakistani team bounced back and scored two goals in quick sessions. Sufyan and Zikriya Hayat scored in the 50th and 53rd minute respectively.

In the 56^th minute, Malaysia once again took the lead with Marhan Jalil scoring for them and with just four minutes left in the conclusion of the match. The game was almost over for Pakistan.

But Sufyan struck again and found the back of the net and leveled the score in the 59th minute.

Seconds after Sufyan scored his third and Pakistan’s fourth, Pakistan was given a penalty corner which was converted by Abu Mahmood making Pakistan victorious after a nail-biter.

Pakistan’s next match is now against Korea on Sunday at the same venue.