New Zealand Defeats Pakistan 3-4 to Qualify for the Semi-Finals of Nations Hockey Cup

Lahore: In a thrilling encounter at the FIH Nations Hockey Cup in Malaysia, New Zealand defeated Pakistan 3-4, securing their spot in the semi-finals. Despite holding a lead in the first half, Pakistan was unable to maintain their advantage and lost the match.
Pakistan initially took control of the game with a 1-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. New Zealand, starting aggressively, scored their first goal in the 6th minute through Wood Nick, but Pakistan responded quickly, scoring two consecutive goals in the 13th and 14th minutes, taking a 1-2 lead.
In the second quarter, Pakistan continued their aggressive play, pressuring New Zealand, and scored another goal in the 28th minute to extend their lead. Abdul Rahman scored the first two goals for Pakistan, while Rana Waheed Ashraf netted the third.
However, New Zealand mounted a comeback in the third quarter, with Scott Colst scoring two quick goals in the 43rd and 45th minutes, leveling the match at 3-3.
In the final quarter, New Zealand’s Scott Colst struck again in the 52nd minute, scoring a penalty corner to give New Zealand a 3-4 lead, which they held on to for the remainder of the match.
Following the defeat, Pakistan now has to wait for the outcome of the Malaysia vs Japan match. If Malaysia loses, Pakistan will still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, teams from France and Korea have already secured their semi-final spots from Pool A.