NZ thrash Pakistan to win Nations Cup Hockey title

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan were tactically outmaneuvered and outplayed by super-fit New Zealand on their way to winning the Nations Cup Hockey and access to the FIH Pro League next season.

Riding on an all-out attack right from the start, New Zealand beat Pakistan by a big margin of 6-2 to take the title and a place in the FIH Pro League next season. In an action-packed first half, New Zealand cantered to a 5-0 lead, enough to make them a clear favourite for the title right from the outset of the final.

For New Zealand, Scott Cosslett scored three goals again on penalty corners, following up his three goals during the pool match against the same opposition. Thomas Dylan, Findlay Sean, and Scott Bodye were on target once each for New Zealand.

Though Pakistan played better in the second half, scoring twice against one converted by New Zealand, the gap was too big to close, and New Zealand ultimately won by 6-2. Zakria Hayat and Mohammad Sufyan scored for Pakistan.

New Zealand proved a better team on the given day, considering their fast-moving abilities that stunned Pakistan's defence, which could not retaliate from the barrage of attacks. The Blacksticks strategy to go all out right from the first push worked wonders for them as they had total control of the game right from the start.

Pakistan had no answer and never thought of changing their tactics. Pakistan will have to wait for another year to make another go at the Nations Cup that serves as a qualifying round for the FIH Pro League. However, making it to the final and beating the competition's No. 1 team, France, will help Pakistan improve its ranking.