New Zealand beat Pakistan 5-3

KARACHI: New Zealand defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the Azlan Shah Cup group match in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Saturday.

Pakistan got the lead when Arslan Qadir struck in the eighth minute but failed to sustain it as New Zealand drew level three minutes later.

The Black Sticks made it 2-1 in the 19th minute with Simon Child’s goal.

Pakistan bounced back and drew level in the 23rd minute with Muhammad Irfan Jr’s strike. The score was 2-2 at half-time.

New Zealand team scored two goals in succession early in the second half, in the 39th and 42nd minute, to take a 4-2 lead. The lead was stretched to 5-2 in 44th minute.

Qadir scored his second and Pakistan’s third goal in the 52nd minute of the match, to bring the Green-shirts back into the match. But neither side could manage any goal after that.

Pakistan take on Australia on Sunday (tomorrow).

Pakistan defeated Canada by 3-2 in their first match.

A team official said all teams had services of senior players who had been playing regularly, while Pakistan’s senior players were playing after a long period.

The last time they played when they failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics 2016. Some of the senior players have not been selected for this tour.

He said the match against Australia would be crucial. “We are not afraid of any team. Australia are a far better side than us but our boys, especially forwards, are also playing well.  They have scored six goals in two matches, which is a good sign. We will go all out in the match against Australia,” he said.