Pakistan, World XI play out thrilling 3-3 draw at hockey stadium in Lahore

Published
3
Chief guest Riaz Hussain Pirzada hands over the trophy to winning captain Weusthof. — Photo courtesy PHF
Chief guest Riaz Hussain Pirzada hands over the trophy to winning captain Weusthof. — Photo courtesy PHF

Pakistan hockey team on Sunday twice came from behind to hold World XI to a 3-3 draw in the second and final match of the series at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore.

Having battered their inexperienced hosts 5-1 in the opening game in Karachi, the formidable World XI continued where they had left off, creating a plethora of opportunities in the opening half, although some uncharacteristic profligacy in front of the goal kept them from taking an early lead.

The opening goal finally arrived in the 28th minute off the stick of Roderick Weusthof as Pakistan goalkeeper Adil Rao's defence was breached for the first time in the game.

It didn't take long for the visitors to double their lead, with Nahuel Salis being the goalscorer this time as his angular shot in the 36th minute sneaked past Rao.

Having conceded their second, the Greenshirts suddenly came alive, opening their account just a minute later, thanks to a successful penalty converted by Rizwan Ali.

Pakistan were back on level terms in the 42nd minute when Adeel Latif's powerful hit took a deflection from the goalkeeper and sailed into the goal.

Both teams pushed hard to take the lead but it was World XI whose efforts bore fruit; Weusthof scored his second of the game in the 52nd minute.

But like before, the young Pakistan side responded again, with the equalising goal coming just two minutes from full-time. Having been thwarted in his first attempt at goal, Naveed Alam took a second shot and found the net this time.

Neither side was able to find another goal as the match ended 3-3 and the World XI side clinched the series 1-0.

Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, handed over the trophy to the winning captain Weusthof.

Opinion

Editorial

Antalya agenda
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Antalya agenda

For Pakistan, the priority should be to secure easier access to climate funds, more grants rather than debt-creating loans, and clear deadlines for financial contributions.
Beyond viewership
09 Nov, 2026

Beyond viewership

PAKISTAN has an enormous appetite for online content. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, it...
Rabid Modi
Updated 09 Nov, 2026

Rabid Modi

Modi’s silence throughout his reign of fear shows his endorsement of hate.
Trump’s choice
Updated 08 Nov, 2026

Trump’s choice

In order to prevent a new military and economic crisis, the US leadership must prioritise diplomacy over war.
Bilawal’s advice
08 Nov, 2026

Bilawal’s advice

PPP CHAIRPERSON Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has given sound advice to the government to stop “fighting everyone”. And...
Cashless ambition
08 Nov, 2026

Cashless ambition

THE prime minister’s call for a time-bound roadmap to make all payments digital has given the government’s...