BEIJING, Aug 9: Pakistan fought back hard to hold reigning Olympic champion Australia 2-2 in their second match of the Good Luck Beijing International Hockey tournament here on Thursday.

The Aussies, known for their attacking game, were surprised by stiff resistance from the Green shirts who did not allow their opponents to cash in on their early lead in the initial stages through full back Deyoung Liam who slammed a field goal in the 7th minute.

Earlier, Malaysia went down 2-0 after a spirited fight against Australia on Thursday in a four-nation tournament at Beijing.

Coach Sarjit Singh, who is preparing the Malaysian team for the Olympic qualifiers in October, took the opportunity to try out all players in the team against their fitter and superior rivals.

“We still have to work on their fitness but they played well although five players from Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament are not here,” he said after watching the Aussies score a field goal in each half. The two teams last clashed in the final of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup which Australia won 3-1.

At the Olympic Green hockey stadium, Malaysia survived four penalty corners with goalkeeper Subit Kumar earning much credit despite being beaten by Hammond in the 33rd minute and Andrew Smith in the 40th.

Hammond reverse-flicked into the net to finish off a fine run by Eglinton down the right wing while Smith hammered home from the fringe of the circle.

Kumar padded away the first penalty corner hit taken by David Guest as early as in the sixth minute as the Aussies kept pressure in the Malaysian half for most of the game.

Despite being bogged down, the Malaysians defended till the final whistle to prevent the swift-attacking Smith and Eglinton from causing greater damage.

Malaysia will face Pakistan on Saturday.—Agencies