CANNOCK, June 6: Pakistan came from behind to defeat Australia 2-1 in the opening game in tri-nation hockey tournament on Sunday. Pakistan goalkeeper Salman Akbar played a vital role in his team's triumph by thwarting four penalty corner strikes from Troy Elder besides blocking three field attacks.

Pakistan came from a goal down to carve out first win against Australia in the last seven matches. Pakistan lost to Australia 4-3 in the final of Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year.

Penalty corner executioner Sohail Abbas and forward Tariq Aziz slammed the goals for Pakistan. Travis Brooks scored the solitary goal for Australia. After a lackluster first session, both teams displayed some superb game. The match turned out to be a close contest but Pakistan held out their nerves to emerge winners.

Pakistanis displayed a solid defence and faced Australian attacks bravely which helped them win. While Slaman was at his best, Pakistani winger Shabbir Hussain and Rehan Butt failed to impress. Both squandered good opportunities, fumbling inside the 25-yard area.

Pakistan's only real goal-scoring chance came six minutes from interval when Tariq Aziz's sweeping push off skipper Mohammad Nadeem's pass went wide of target. Pakistan conceded the goal just a minute from halftime when Brooks skill fully deflected a top of circle reverse flick from Michael Brennan.

Sohail levelled the score after resumption with a lethal drag-flick, giving Australia goalkeeper Stephen Mowlam no chance. The equaliser boosted Pakistan's morale and Kashif Jawwad and Tariq started mounting pressure on Australian defenders.

Tariq scored first international goal following a Kashif pass. Australians forced two short corners in space of four minutes but on both occasions Salman stopped the strikes.

Pakistan will meet Great Britain on Monday before moving to Nottingham for the second phase of double league contest. Earlier on Saturday, Australia made an impressive start by routing Great Britain 4-1. Aussies led 2-0 at breather.

Australians took the lead in 14th minutes when Grant Schubert put his team ahead after a goal mouth melee. Great Britain conceded their second when Andrew Smith scored in the 22nd minute.

Danny Hall delighted the home fans when he netted in the 38th minute. Michael Boyce made it 3-1 in the 58th minute and a minute before the close Knowles made it 4-1. -APP