Olympics-bound New Zealand and Pakistan played out a captivating 1-1 draw in their fifth match of the group in the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament.
The Kiwis took the lead in the 35th minute when Holmes Luke netted a crucial field goal. Luke’s goal mounted pressure on the Roelant Oltmans side, putting them ahead and setting the stage for an exciting finish.
However, Pakistan was not to be outdone. Mahmood Abu Bakr, showing his prowess, struck back for Pakistan in the third quarter with a skillful penalty corner conversion. Mahood’s brought Pakistan back into the game as they finally got the equalizer they were searching for.
Despite numerous attempts by both sides to clinch the winner, neither could find the decisive goal. The match ended in a well-deserved 1-1 draw, reflecting the competitive nature of the game.
The draw leaves New Zealand out of the final as Pakistan and Japan qualify where they will aim to win the Azlan Shah Tournament.
For Pakistan, this result serves as a confidence booster, ahead of the final on Saturday against the in-form Japan who are known as a formidable force in international hockey.
Roelant Oltmans’s side topped the group with 11 points where they bagged three wins out of five matches in the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament.
The Azlan Shah Tournament final will held on May 11 at the Ipoh, Perak Stadium at 5.30 pm Pakistan time, if the Green Shirts manage to win the final, it will be their fourth title in the competition’s history.
