RAWALPINDI, March 27: Shah Qubilai Alam scored five times on Saturday powering Pakistan to an 11-7 victory over India that also helped the hosts seal the first leg of the SAF Polo Challenge series 2-1.

Going into the match with the series tied 1-1, Pakistan were put ahead by Capt Omar Minhas who put in a field goal and a strike by Qubilai, the team captain before rival skipper Uday Kalan pulled one back in the first chukker.

With 2-1 up, Pakistan stepped up the pace with further goals from Qubilai who got a brace in the second chukker and another one from Shah Shamyal Alam. India's Basheer Ali, who was on target five times in the match, narrowed the deficit to make the scoreline read 2-5.

The third chukker was evenly balanced with both sides striking two times each, Shamyl and Omar taking the honours for Pakistan while Basheer and Uday did it for India but the home side continued to lead 7-4.

In the fourth chukker, India got two goals from the reliable Basheer, a field attempt and a 60 yard effort to lead 8-6 before Qubilai, adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series blasted in his fourth goal of the match.

Heading into the final chukker with a lead of 8-6, Pakistan got two goals through Shamyl and the trusted Qubilai while Basheer scored for the tourists.

Pakistan had won the opening match 8-7 with India squaring the series by scoring a narrow 10-9 victory on Friday.

The next leg of three-matches is to take place in India next month.

Qubilai, speaking of Pakistan's chances of winning the second leg said that a lot would depend on the horses and the conditions in India. "We will try and do our best."

Scorers: First chukker Pakistan- Omar Minhas (FG), Shah Qubilai Alam (40 yds), India-Uday Kalan Second chukker: Pakistan-Qubilai (spot hit), Shamyl (FG), Qubilai (FG), India- Basheer Ali Third chukker: Pakistan- Shamyl, Omar, India- Uday Kalan (FG), Basheer Fourth chukker: Pakistan Qubilai, India-Basheer (FG and 60 yds). Fifth chukker: Shamyl (FG, 30 yds), Qubilai, India-Basheer (FG).