LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Malaysia 5-3 in a thrilling World Cup hockey qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt on Monday and now lead the group with six points from two matches.

In a match that saw the lead change hands four times, Pakistan had to come from behind on multiple occasions to secure the victory.

Malaysia — who routed Austria 6-1 on Sunday— drew first blood when Abdu Rauf Muhajir gave them the lead in the 12th minute, but Pakistan responded immediately as Rana Waheed Ashraf equalised just a minute later.

Malaysia, however, retook the lead in the very next minute through Akhimullah Anuar. At the start of the second quarter, Zikriya Hayat again pulled the national team level. Malaysia then regained the advantage in the third quarter when Fitri Saari converted a penalty stroke.

Pakistan refused to buckle, and Nadeem Ahmed levelled the scores once more right at the end of the third quarter.

Having fought back three times, Pakistan finally took control of the match.

Sufyan Khan gave them their first lead of the game in the 48th minute, converting a penalty-corner. Mohammad Ammad then ensured the triumph by scoring in the 55th minute to make it 5-3.

Pakistan’s five goals came through field attempts, with the exception of Sufyan’s penalty-corner conversion.

In their first match on Sunday, Pakistan edged out China 5-4, and in their last group match they will take on Austria on Wednesday.

In the other Pool B tie on Monday, China and Austria played out a 1-1 draw as Benhai Chen cancelled out Moritz Frey strike to share the point.

China are third in the standings while Austria are languishing at the bottom.

The top three finishers in each group will earn their spot at the World Cup which will be staged in Belgium and Netherlands this August.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026