LAHORE: A dying minute goal by Shafqat Rasool helped PIA edge out the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) 3-2 in the 60th National Hockey Championship at the Johar Town Stadium here on Saturday.

After taking an inspirational start, PIA took a 2-0 lead which kept intact until half-time. First Olympian Mohammad Atiq netted a field goal in the 24th minute and then Kashif Ali converted a short-corner in the 32nd minute to keep PIA ahead.

After the resumption, international Mohammad Rizwan slammed in a field goal for the NBP, reducing PIA’s lead to 2-1. Akhtar Ali then found the cage in the 59 minute through a field effort to enable the bankers to equalise 2-2.

But Shafqat’s strike proved decisive. The Olympian got a golden chance to score the winning goal for PIA who were awarded a short-corner in the last minute of the match; and the player didn’t disappoint giving his side a thrilling and unpredictable victory.

While it was the first win for PIA from their first match in the premier tournament, the NBP lost their first game in the event, having won the opener against Army.

Meanwhile, five-goal Pakistan captain guided Army to a resounding 8-1 win over PTV in the day’s second match.

PTV, who had played a 3-3 draw against Navy earlier in the tournament opener, were mauled by Army. This was Army’s first win in the championship.

Mohammad Imran converted four short-corners in the fourth, 23rd, 63rd and 67th minutes; his fifth was a field goal scored in the 21st minute.

Habib-ur-Rehman (32nd minute) and Mohammad Rizwan Senior (50th and 54th) scored the remaining three goals for Army.

Waqas Butt scored PTV’s consolation goal in the 35th minute.

On Sunday, three matches will be played. The HEC meet the Port Qasim Authority, PTV lock horns with PIA and Wapda face the Sui Southern Gas Company.