AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan finished 11th in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after beating South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout at Wagenr Stadium on Friday.
The four-time champions ended their campaign on a high with the best finish in 20 years. Pakistan had finished in 12th position in the 2010 and 2018 editions.
South Africa were off to a rampant start as they netted the first goal in the eighth minute, courtesy of Trevor de Lora. Three minutes into the second quarter, Dayaan Cassiem doubled the lead to put his side into a strong position.
Pakistan’s resurgence came on the back of goals from Afraz and Mohammad Ammad, who leveled the scoreline before half-time.
After a comeback, Rana Waheed Ashraf netted a goal in the penultimate quarter to take his side ahead with 3-2.
However, the third quarter ended 3-3, with Mustaphaa Cassiem scoring an impressive goal.
Both sides pushed for a late winner in the final quarter, with South Africa taking the lead when Mustaphaa converted a penalty corner in the 55th minute.
Pakistan responded dramatically, with Muhammad Hammaduddin scoring in the final minute to level the match at 4-4 and force a penalty shootout.
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Mustaphaa, who had scored twice in regulation time, opened the shootout for South Africa and converted. Zikriya Hayat replied for Pakistan to make it 1-1.
South Africa’s Calvin Davis and Pakistan’s Umar Mustafa then scored from the spot as the teams remained level after two attempts each.
Hans Neethling and Jamie Seales missed South Africa’s next two attempts, while Hannan Shahid converted for Pakistan to put them 3-2 ahead.
Pakistan had the chance to seal victory when Rana Waheed Ashraf stepped up, but he missed. Mustaphaa then scored South Africa’s final attempt to level the shootout at 3-3, leaving Pakistan with one attempt in hand.
Former captain Ammad Butt took responsibility for the decisive shot and held his nerve to score, securing victory for Pakistan.