DOHA, Dec 4: Mohammad Zubair struck a field goal one minute before close to lead Pakistan a 1-1 face saving draw against Malaysia in their opening match of the Doha Asian Games hockey competition here on Monday at the Al-Rayyan Hockey Stadium.

The draw helped Pakistan salvage their pride by denying a win to the last games bronze medallist in 2002.

Both sides did everything except scoring in the first half and Pakistan were a dominating force throughout the play but could not get a goal.

Skipper Rehan Butt and striker Shakeel Abbasi missed golden sitters missed chances in both halves.

Malaysian side jolted Pakistan by converting their 52nd minute penalty corner through captain Shanmugana Thank as Pakistan missed their both the short corners.

Pakistan desperately launched goal hunt quest in the last ten minutes and most of the attacks were blocked by a solid Malaysian defence or their keeper Jamaluddin.

It was Imran Khan who sent a sizzling cross to Zubair whose first touch deflection sailed in the roof nets for the much relief of the team members in the 69th minute.

“A draw is better than losing a match. We have no choice but to show better results in the coming matches,” coach Shahnaz Sheikh said. Pakistan will play Hong Kong on Wednesday.—APP