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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has praised the national hockey team on reaching the final of the Nations Cup held in Malaysia.
Naqvi praised the Green Shirts for demonstrating an outstanding performance following the nail-biting victory against France.
“Pakistani players have defeated France through teamwork to reach the final. Their brilliant performance is commendable,” Mohsin Naqvi stated.
“Along with the players, I would also like to congratulate the team management. Every player gave his best on the field,” Mohsin Naqvi added.
The PCB chair expressed optimism that the Pakistan hockey team would clinch the Nations Cup title.
“Apart from sports, Pakistan is receiving good news from every department. Hopefully, the Pakistani hockey team will win the final as well and return home after winning the tournament,” he concluded.
It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan defeated France in a 3-2 penalty shootout, courtesy of goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz.
Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final, set to be played tomorrow.
The all-important semi-final started with both teams trying hard in the first quarter to score a goal. France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.
The second quarter began with a similar scoreline, as France and Pakistan both battled to calm their nerves. However, France managed to score the first goal courtesy of Smenjaud Xavier’s deflection.
As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.
However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.
READ: WATCH: Pakistan hockey player Hannan Shahid bursts into tears after reaching nations cup Final
