LAHORE: Pakistan face Malaysia in their opening match of the super four round in the Asia Cup hockey tournament at the Maulana Bhashani Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Though the head-to-head Asia Cup record favours Pakistan who have won eight out of nine matches (remaining one being draw), Malaysia this time around are likely to pose a stiff challenge to the Green-shirts.

In this event, an improved Malaysia side topped pool ‘B’ (winning all three preliminary-round matches securing nine points) and one should not forget the fact that in the last World Hockey League Malaysia were the only Asian side that qualified for the semi-finals.

They have also made next year’s World Cup. Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals after upsetting India. Malaysia, who have hosted the Asia Cup four times — more than any other country — have had just one podium finish in the Asia Cup, bronze in 2007. They ended fourth no less than five times.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have been the Asia Cup champions thrice — winning the first three editions in 1982, 1985 and 1989. While India have lifted the cup twice, in 2003 and 2007.

The Pakistan-Malaysia match on Wednesday starts at 2:00pm Pakistan time.

In the other super-four round match on Wednesday, India face South Korea.

Currently, India lead pool ‘A’ with 9 points followed by Pakistan (4, points). In pool ‘B’, toppers Malaysia are followed by second-placed South Korea (six points).

On Thursday, Pakistan will be up against South Korea and on Saturday Pakistan will once again lock horns with arch-rivals India. The top two teams from the super round round will meet in the final on Sunday. The bottom two sides will play for the third position on the same day.

The teams which have finished third and fourth in pool ‘A’ and pool ‘B’ will figure in the classification matches for fifth to eighth places.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2017