Pakistan beat New Zealand to go 2-1 up in series

KARACHI: Captain Haseem Khan scored a brace as Pakistan defeated hosts New Zealand 2-1 in their fourth test in Carterton on Wednesday. 

Pakistan lead the series 2-1.   The last test is to be played on Thursday (today).

After three tests in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, the two sides moved to Carterton for the last two matches.

The hosts began aggressively but Pakistan soon wrested the initiative and put them under pressure by taking the lead in the 10th minute.

Haseem beautifully slipped through New Zealand’s congested defence before flicking the ball inside the net.

One minute into the second quarter, it was 1-1.  A wonderful pass from Harry Miskimmin was slotted into the net by Jonty Keane.

With seven minutes to go before half-time, the Green-shirts were again in front through Haseem who showed a great display.

The third quarter saw the momentum swing to and fro but the scoresheet didn’t change.

With the crowd loudly cheering them, the Black Sticks went all out for the equaliser in the last 15 minutes. Pakistan defended resolutely to keep the lead intact until the final hooter sounded.

Neither Pakistan nor New Zealand were able to get a penalty corner. Both sides had scored 10 goals off the set piece in the first three tests.

The last test on Thursday will be an exciting clash as New Zealand, the world’s eight-ranked team, will be under pressure to level the series against the 14th-ranked Pakistan.