Aussies beat Pakistan in Johor Cup final

KARACHI: Australia defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the final of Sultan of Johor Cup under-21 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Sunday. Pakistan took the lead in the 7th minute but failed to maintain it.

Australia had routed Pakistan 8-1 in the round match, so many were anticipating a big Australian victory, but Pakistanis gave an excellent fight to the top-ranked side.

The Green-shirts surprised everyone when they went ahead in the seventh minute through the first penalty corner. 

Instead of Abu Bakr, Pakistan’s top scorer in the event with four goals, it was 6’ 3” tall Hassan Anwar, who took it. His fast high flick on goalkeeper’s left side was unstoppable.

Australia replied in a similar manner within six minutes. Gerrard Frazer’s PC conversion was almost a replica of Hassan Anwar’s effort.

The Pakistanis showed composure in defence. 

A melee in Pakistani circle resulted in Australia’s second penalty corner in 32nd minute. The goalkeeper Muneeb brilliantly palmed it away with an outstretched left arm.

The second half’s first 15 minutes were dominated by the Aussies as they repeatedly entered the circle. Three more penalty corners came their way. On the fifth of the day, the ball hit Pakistani line stopper’s foot. The consequent penalty stroke was cashed in on by Blake Govers and Australia were 2-1 ahead in the 47th minute. 

Pakistan’s sporadic attacks did create a few chances, including their second penalty corner of the day but Australia’s deep defence kept the lead intact. 

With just four minutes left, Blake Govers’ second goal, off a penalty corner, sealed Pakistan’s fate.

Pakistan had never finished above 4th place at any of the five previous editions of Sultan of Johor Cup.  In the last two events, they stood sixth.