Pakistan earn stunning draw against Malaysia FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup

Pakistan Friday came back from three goals down in the first quarter to share the spoils with Malaysia as the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Poland 2023/24 started with an eight-goal thriller.

Pakistan have a poor start in the match as they conceded three early goals in the first quarter. Fitri Saari put Malaysia ahead in the fourth winner through a penalty stroke. Three minutes later Abu Kamal Azrai made it 2-0 for Malaysia as Pakistan came under immense pressure. Pakistani defenders continued to commit blunders and conceded two penalty corners and a penalty stroke in the first quarter. Malaysian's pressure paid off once again as they made it 3-0 when Faizal Saari scored from a penalty corner. Similarly, the Pakistani forward line was also unimpressive as despite winning penalty corners they remained unsuccessful in scoring a goal.

The second quarter was a goalless affair with both teams trying to penetrate each other's defence but failed to score as the first half ended with a 3-0 scoreline in Malaysia's favour.

In the third quarter, Abdul Ramzan opened the account for Pakistan through a field goal in the 32nd minute. However, again restored a 3-goal lead of Malaysia in the 42nd minute through another penalty stroke. Sufyan Khan gave Pakistan their second goal in the 43rd minute through a penalty corner as the third quarter ended with a 4-2 goalline in Malaysia's favour.

The fourth quarter started at a brisk pace with Pakistan forwards trying their best to get another opening. Their efforts paid off when Hannan Shahid scored a third goal for Pakistan in the 52nd minute.

The match was about to end with Malaysia winning 4-3 but in the dying moments Pakistan's forwards earned a penalty stroke and Abu Bakar Mahmood made no mistake to convert the opportunity into a goal in the final 60th minute that earned Pakistan a stunning 4-4 draw in their tournament opener.