Pakistan keep England at bay to record 2-2 draw

Published June 30, 2013
Imran Butt. -File photo by Sara Faruqi/Dawn.com
Imran Butt. -File photo by Sara Faruqi/Dawn.com

KARACHI: Pakistan made another comeback to hold England 2-2 in a fast-paced game in their second match of the World Hockey League on Sunday in Johor, Malaysia.

Pakistan, who were 2-1 down at half-time, had the upper hand in the second half but could only manage a draw.

Oliver Willars put England ahead in the 12th minute, scoring from a deflection off Pakistan's goalkeeper Imran Shah. However, just a few minutes later, Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran scored the equaliser through a penalty corner.

Adam Dixon put England in the lead again with a penalty corner and the Greenshirts went into the second half with the score line not in their favour, despite an attempt from Mohammad Zubair to equalise minutes before the break.

In the early minutes of the second half, Abdul Haseem Khan scored the equaliser through a penalty corner and Pakistan kept up their momentum, constantly threatening England.

Imran Butt replaced Shah eight minutes before full-time and the difference was obvious as he kept England at bay with some brilliant saves, particulary one in the dying minutes of the match against Ashley Jackson, to keep the score tied.

Pakistan's second half performance should have seen them score the winner but England goalkeeper George Pinner did well to deny the Greenshirts.

The result leaves Pakistan with two points in Group B in the eight-nation tournament, after recording a 4-4 draw against hosts Malaysia in the opener on Saturday.

Pakistan will now play South Africa on July 2.

The day's other matches saw Argentina beat Japan 7-1 and Germany ease past Korea 5-0.

Opinion

In defamation’s name

In defamation’s name

It provides yet more proof that the undergirding logic of public authority in Pakistan is legal and extra-legal coercion rather than legitimised consent.

Editorial

Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...
ICJ rebuke
Updated 26 May, 2024

ICJ rebuke

The reason for Israel’s criminal behaviour is that it is protected by its powerful Western friends.
Hot spells
26 May, 2024

Hot spells

WITH Pakistan already dealing with a heatwave that has affected 26 districts since May 21, word from the climate...
Defiant stance
26 May, 2024

Defiant stance

AT a time when the country is in talks with the IMF for a medium-term loan crucial to bolstering the fragile ...