IPOH: Pakistan’s match against New Zealand ended in 1-1 draw in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 in Ipoh, Malaysia on Friday.
Pakistan qualified for the final after defeating Canada on Wednesday. The Green Shirts will face Japan in the final event tomorrow.
It remained goalless at half-time as both teams failed to capitalize on the chances they created.
However, New Zealand took the lead in the 35th minute through a Luke Holmes field goal, but Abu Bakr Mahmoud converted from a penalty corner eight minutes later.
In the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup round-robin tournament, Pakistan remained unbeaten with three wins and two draws from five matches. They only came to prominence in the matches against Japan and New Zealand.
Pakistan’s performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup should be a moral booster for the team, especially if they have to compete in the FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland from May 31 to June 9.
Former striker Abdul Hannan Shahid said Japan’s defensive line was too strong when they made light of their Pakistani opponents in the final. Japan have conceded the fewest four goals in the tournament so far.
“Japan is very solid in defense and doesn’t open up too much to their opponents,” he said. When attacking, they may not be as creative as other teams, but they are very effective in exploiting their opponents’ mistakes on the field.
“Pakistan scored a lot of goals, while we also conceded at the other end. However, we will try to correct our defensive shortcomings in the rest of the game.”
Japan will take on Canada and hosts Malaysia will lock horns with Korea in the remaining games today.
