In a nail-biting encounter that kept hockey enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, the Pakistan hockey team emerged triumphant, defeating their arch-rivals India with a scoreline of 5-4. The exhilarating match took place on Wednesday as part of the ongoing Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifiers in Salalah, Oman.
With this victory, Pakistan showcased an impeccable display of skill and determination, securing their third consecutive win in the tournament. The team’s impressive performance also earned them the top position on the points table, boasting a total of nine points and an astounding 46 goals scored throughout the tournament so far.
The standout players of the match included Arshad Liaquat, who netted two crucial goals for the winning side. Additionally, Abdul Rehman, Zakriya Hayat, and Rana Abdul Waheed each contributed a goal to Pakistan’s triumphant scoreline.
In recognition of their stellar performances, the President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced a reward of $100 for every player on the team, further motivating the players to continue their exceptional run in the tournament.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had showcased their dominance by overpowering Bangladesh with an impressive score of 15-6 in their second group match. Rana Abdul Waheed was the star of the match, registering four goals, while Arshad Liaquat and Abdullah contributed three goals each to ensure a resounding victory.
The Pakistan hockey team’s journey in the Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifiers continues, with upcoming matches against Oman and Malaysia scheduled for tomorrow.
Guiding the team’s efforts are head coach Olympian Wasim Feroze and manager Major Muhammad Shahnawaz Khan, who have been instrumental in honing the team’s performance and strategy.
In the elite pool, which features formidable teams including India, Malaysia, Japan, Oman, and Bangladesh, Pakistan’s consistent performance has set them apart as a strong contender for a top spot. Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran are competing in the Challenger pool.
As the tournament progresses, the competition will intensify, with crossover matches determining the path to the semi-finals and ultimately, the coveted spots in the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.
Pakistan Squad:
- Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan
- Ali Raza
- Muhammad Abdullah
- Ehtsham Aslam
- Muhammad Murtaza Yaqoob
- Arshad Liaquat
- Zakriya Hayat
- Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf
- Abdul Rehman
- Abdul Wahab
Pakistan’s Remaining Matches:
- August 31: Oman
- August 31: Malaysia
