IPOH: Pakistan extended their unbeaten run in the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 as they held New Zealand for a 1-1 stalemate in their last group match here on Friday.
Both teams battled hard in the first half but failed to break the deadlock, however, New Zealand’s Luke Holmes earned the advantage for his side with a brilliant field goal in the 35th minute.
The lead did not last long as Pakistan’s Abu Bakr Mahmood scored from a penalty corner to equalize only eight minutes later.
The 1-1 finish ensured Pakistan would march into the final against Japan with an unbeaten streak in the round-robin stage. The final is scheduled for 11 May (tomorrow).
In their last game, Pakistan continued their dominant run as they defeated Canada 5-4 on 8 May to get closer to the finals of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Pakistan struggled early on as Canada scored two goals in 17 minutes to take a dominant lead, however, Abu Bakr Mahmood brought Pakistan back into the game with a brace.
Arshad Liaqat, Rana Waheed Ashraf and Ghazanfar Ali followed suit and set up Pakistan’s 5-4 victory. For Canada, Sean Davis scored two, while Harbir Sindhu and Avjot Buttar scored one each.
Pakistan crushed South Korea 4-0 to register their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, after a flying start to their campaign with a nerve-testing 5-4 victory over Malaysia.
Meanwhile, they held Japan for a 1-1 stalemate in their third game and continued their unbeaten run.
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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