IPOH: Pakistan failed to register victory in their second successive match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where the green-shirts managed a 1-1 draw against hosts Malaysia in Ipoh on Wednesday.

Shello Silverius gave Malaysia lead in the 25th minute. Pakistan’s Arbaz Ahmad scored the equaliser 10 minutes later. The 1-1 scoreline remained till the end of the match.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was forced to send a young squad for the tournament after nine players, included experienced pros Ammad Butt, Hammad Anjum, Moeen Shakeel and Rizwan Ali, decided against joining the national training camp last month. In the six-team tournament, Pakistan are currently placed fifth on the points table with one point after two games.

Besides Pakistan, teams from Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa and South Korea are featuring in the event.

On Tuesday, Umar Bhutta-led Pakistan were outplayed by South Africa 4-1.

In the 24th minute, Trevor de Lora put South Africa ahead, which was extended two minutes later by Connor Beauchamp. The third and fourth goals were scored by Senzwesihle Ngubane and Cameron Le Forestier, respectively, in the 37th and 42nd minutes.

Abdul Shahid scored Pakistan’s consolation goal in the 46th minute.

Though Pakistan hold an impressive overall record (six wins in eight games) against South Africa, on Tuesday the green-shirts could not manage to put any considerable pressure on South Africa’s defence.

Nine Pakistani players made their debuts during the encounter due to the unavailability of many elders.

Pakistan play their third match in the event against Japan on Friday.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2022