Pakistan draw 3-3 with Malaysia in FIH Nations Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan held to a 3-3 draw in their first game of the FIH Men’s Nations Cup 2024-25 by Malaysia after a nail-biting encounter as the home side managed to strike back whenever the green shirts took the lead in Kuala Lumpur here on Sunday.

In the beginning, Pakistan came out in attacking fashion as they went two goals ahead inside ten minutes with Ahmed Nadeem and Abdul Rehman scoring for their team. However, in the second half, and the last quarter in particular, the Men in Green failed to soak the pressure of Malaysia’s counter-attack.

The green shirts started blazingly, making circle penetrations at regular intervals. In the sixth minute, Nadeem netted a fantastic field goal managing a pinpoint connection to a quick pass. Three minutes later, Rehman doubled the lead with an accurate strike through the penalty corner.

In the next quarter, Pakistan did make moves, but had lapses in terms of overall finishing, with players missing a lot of open chances. The second quarter went goal less.

It was from the third quarter where Malaysia came with well-planned moves, quick athleticism; managing to open up Pakistan’s defense. The green shirts, yet again choked in terms of handling the pressure. Several yellow and green cards halted the team flow, as players had to sit on the benches for some minutes. In the last quarter, it was all Malaysia. The one who opened things for them was Fitri Saari in the 49th minute. Three minutes later, Syed Cholan, leveled the game for the home team.

However, Pakistan got the lease of starting their campaign on a winning note after Waheed Rana put his team ahead with a brilliant strike through a penalty corner.

Unfortunately, Pakistan’s defence looked hapless in dealing with the hosts’ attack in the circle, conceding penalty corners. And in the 56th minute, Cholan yet again fired a great goal to level the game. Meanwhile, Pakistan will play their second game of the event against Japan on Monday (today).