IPOH: Abu Mahmood’s last-minute winner lifted Pakistan to edge host Malaysia 5-4 in a nerve-testing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup fixture on Saturday.

Pakistan had a flying start to the match as they were awarded a penalty corner in the ninth minute which, Sufyan Khan, successfully converted to give his side an early lead.

But Malaysia was quick to respond as Abu Kamal Arzai struck for the home to level the score.

The first quarter ended with the scoreline tied at 1-1 but Malaysia took the lead in the second quarter Arzai scored again.

The third quarter followed the same pattern as Arzai struck again to complete his hat-trick and put Malaysia in control.

Malaysia were in a dominant position at the commencement of the final quarter and it appeared a daunting task for Pakistan to breach their defence but they hit back with back-to-back goals to draw level.

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Sufyan and Zikriya Hayat scored in the 50th and 53rd minute respectively.

Malaysia once again took the tide in their favour when Marhan Jalil scored in the 56th minute, just four minutes before the final whistle.

It seemed all over for Pakistan but they pushed hard for the equalizer which came from Sufyan in the 59th minute.

Seconds later, Pakistan was awarded a penalty corner and Abu Mahmood made no mistake to burry it into the nets and steer his side over the line after an enthralling battle against Malaysia.

Pakistan squad for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Goalkeepers: Abdullah, Muneebur Rehman.

Defenders: Usama Bashir, Ehtisham Aslam, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufiyan, Abu Bakar (vice-captain), Ammad Butt (captain).

Midfielders: Salman Razzaq, Arshad Liaquat, Moin Shakeel, Zakria Hayat, Murtaza Yaqoob, Ghazanfar Ali.

Forwards: Abdul Rehman (Sr), Abdul Hanan, Rana Waheed, Ejaz Ahmad.

Standbys: Akmal Hussain, Aqeel Ahmad, Arbaz, Hammad Anjum, Abdul Rehman (Jr), Abdul Manan, Rooman.

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