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KUALA LUMPUR: The New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3 in the ongoing FIH Nations Cup 2025 here on Wednesday.
With three wins in three games, New Zealand secured top position in Pool B.
Pakistan had a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett struck two goals, which levelled the scores.
The match started with New Zealand Nic Woods scoring a goal in the first quarter; however, Pakistan fought back with Abdul Rehman scoring two vital goals, which brought his team into a dominant position.
Pakistan showed determination as New Zealand players were kept at bay for most of the second quarter. Meanwhile, Rana Waheed Ashraf struck another goal as the scorecard read 3-1.
With this lead, the match was going Pakistan’s way, but the third quarter dashed Pakistan’s hopes of topping Pool B. New Zealand scored twice in the second-to-last quarter as the scores were level.
The match became tense in the last quarter of the game as both teams sought to score a goal, but for New Zealand, it was Scott Cosslett again who scored the decisive goal, giving his team a thrilling victory.
Earlier, Pakistan defeated Japan while the match with the hosts, Malaysia, ended in a draw. With four points, the Green Shirts now have ample chance to qualify for the semi-final of the Nations Cup.
Currently, Pakistan sits in second position in pool B with four points, while Malaysia will face Japan in the upcoming encounter.
Pakistan squad for FIH Nations Cup
Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zikriya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.
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