HOBART: Pakistan’s hockey team suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to world number five Australia in the FIH Pro League on Tuesday, denied by a controversial video review in the dying seconds of a gripping encounter here at the Tasmania Hockey Centre.

The Green Shirts, showing tremendous spirit after a difficult first leg, fought back from two goals down only to see win snatched away.

Australia’s Tim Brand had given the hosts a commanding first-half lead with goals in the second and 19th minutes, capitalising on dominant possession that left Australian debutant goalkeeper Magnus McCausland a spectator.

Another Tasmanian debutant, Lachelie Rogers, was denied a dream debut moment when his shot hit the post.

Pakistan’s resurgence began in the final quarter.

Ahmed Nadeem ignited the comeback with a superb field goal in the 49th minute. The momentum swung decisively when Sufyan Khan hammered home a penalty corner in the 53rd minute, levelling the score at 2-2 and exposing Australia’s surprising inefficiency from nine set-piece chances.

With the match poised for a draw, controversy struck. A penalty corner was awarded to Australia in the 58th minute after a referral, a decision Pakistan hotly contested.

Blake Govers converted to restore Australia’s lead. In a final cruel twist, Pakistan earned what seemed a last-gasp penalty corner with five seconds remaining, only for the decision to be overturned after another successful Australian video referral.

The agonising loss extends a challenging run for Pakistan, who arrived in Australia after four straight defeats in Argentina.

Their campaign began with losses to the Netherlands (5-2, 7-3) and Argentina (3-2, 5-1).

Pakistan must now regroup quickly for a demanding schedule.

They face Germany on Wednesday, before a chance for redemption against Australia on Friday and conclude the leg against Germany again on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026