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KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team has qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup, despite the hosts, Malaysia, emerging victorious against Japan here on Wednesday.
Malaysia secured a 2-1 win against Japan but was eliminated from the tournament due to goal difference and points with Pakistan.
The Green Shirts reached the semi-finals with nine goals while Malaysia scored eight in their three matches of the tournament.
The semi-finals of the event will take place on June 20th, with Pakistan facing France and New Zealand playing Korea.
On day three of the tournament, Malaysia dominated the game against Japan, leading with two goals till the third quarter. Sumantri Norsyafiq opened the account, scoring the opening goal in the last stage of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Azrai Abu Kamal fired another goal as Malaysia took a 2-0 lead with an eye on the final four spot. Japan put in a strong effort in the third quarter and earned plenty corners. However, solid Malaysian defence kept them away from the nets.
However, Yamasaki Koji dashed Malaysian hopes of qualifying for the semi-final with a goal in the penultimate half of the match.
Earlier, the New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3, sealing a semi-final spot.
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 became tense in the last quarter of the game as both teams sought to score a goal, but for Blackstick, it was Scott Cosslett again who scored the decisive goal, giving his team a thrilling victory.
Pakistan defeated Japan comprehensively, while the match with Malaysia ended in a draw.
READ: Nations Hockey Cup: New Zealand come from behind to down Pakistan
