Australia overpower resilient Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan gave an improved performance in the second match of their four-test series against Australia, the world’s no 1 team, at the Marrara hockey stadium in Darwin.

The hosts, who had won the first match 6-1, defeated the visitors Pakistan 3-0. 

It was a fast-paced game and both the sides had several chances off open play as well as penalty corners.

But the hosts had the better of the exchanges most of the time. All the three Aussie goals came through field attempts.

Kookaburras, who had gone ahead by three goals by the 33rd minute, failed to add to their tally in the remaining time.

Tom Wickham, Trent Mitton and Aaron Kleinshmidt netted one goal each.

Pakistan’s defence line improved in the second match but their forwards failed to do much to threaten the Aussies.

Former Olympian Qamar Zia said Pakistan were playing international matches after a long gap and directly playing against such a big team was difficult.

But the Green-shirts should play with fighting spirit which would pay them in the World Cup qualifying round in London in June, he said.

Qamar said the experience of these matches would be vital in the World Cup qualifying round.

The third test is scheduled on Friday (tomorrow).