HOBART: Pakistan suffered yet another defeat in the FIH Pro League as world champions Germany thumped the Green Shirts 5-2 at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Wednesday.
The result once again exposed the national team’s defensive frailties despite a vibrant second-half response. Germany struck early through Christopher Ruhr, who slotted home in the fifth minute to give the Europeans a 1-0 lead.
The Germans doubled their advantage in the 16th minute when Tom Grambusch converted a penalty corner, putting Pakistan on the back foot.
Pakistan found a lifeline just before half-time as teenager Mohammad Ammad pulled one back in the 18th minute with a well-taken finish, raising hopes of a comeback. However, Germany restored their two-goal cushion before the interval when Benedikt Schwarzhaupt scored from a set-piece in the 24th minute, leaving Pakistan trailing 3-1 at the break.
The third quarter proved disastrous for Pakistan. Malte Hellwig extended Germany’s lead in the 41st minute before Raphael Hartkopf added another less than a minute later, making it 5-1.
Pakistan’s misery was compounded when Ghazanfar Ali received a green card. Germany were then awarded a penalty stroke, but the 32-year-old Ruhr failed to convert, missing the target.
Pakistan showed resolve in the final quarter. Sufyan Khan, 21, converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute to reduce the deficit to 5-2.
The match ended in chaotic scenes as Pakistan’s Mohammad Abdullah and Tom Grambusch received yellow cards in the final seconds following a heated exchange.
Abdullah had earned a penalty corner with five seconds remaining, but the final hooter sounded before Pakistan could execute.
The defeat is Pakistan’s fifth consecutive loss in this year’s Pro League, following four reverses in Argentina and Tuesday’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Australia.
Pakistan face Australia again on Friday before concluding the second-leg against Germany on Saturday.
Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026
