Pakistan's Maria Khan scores stunner to earn draw against Saudi Arabia

Pakistan women's team played an entertaining draw against Saudi Arabia in their last four-nation cup clash, with the latter crowned champions at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, Al-Khobar on late Thursday.

The draw helped Saudi Arabia top the four-nation cup with seven points, while Pakistan finished second with four points.

In the first half, Saudi Arabia took a 1-0 lead. The hosts won a free-kick inside their own half and it was put into Pakistan's half, which was anticipated by Pakistan's defender but Saudi number nine Albandari Mubarak was quick and sharp as she snatched a loose ball and ran into the box to place the ball into the right corner.

We profiled Maria last year before she debuted as captain for Pakistan WNT in the SAFF Women's Championship. https://t.co/9HwzoGQFKZ

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 20, 2023

However, Pakistan equalised after a great fightback. Pakistan won a free kick in the 65th minute. Everyone in the box waited for a lofted cross from Pakistan skipper Maria Khan, but she fancied her chances from distance and opted for a shot at goal, which the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper couldn't stop as it ended in the back of the net.

Maria Khan got Best Player award. 🇵🇰🔥⚽️ https://t.co/OiGG5fUJF0

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) January 19, 2023

Pakistan had the chance to secure a win in the dying minutes, but they couldn't capitalise as the ball went over the bar.

⚽️🇵🇰 GOAL: Maria Khan's direct free-kick that levelled the score against Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦#football #pakistan #pakistanfootball pic.twitter.com/T6FKXzUp4Y

— On the Mic (@on_themic) January 19, 2023

Earlier, Pakistan lost to Mauritius 2-1 in their second match of the tournament. Before that, they defeated Comoros by 1-0 in their opening encounter.