KARACHI: Pakistan’s hockey team continued to show glimpses of resurgence on the eve of the Champions Trophy in after holding world No 2 Germany in a practice match in Auckland, New Zealand.
Waqas Shareef put Pakistan ahead in the first half. But Germany managed to make a comeback in the second half to eventually end the match in a 1-1 draw.
Pakistan are the lowest-ranked team participating in the event at No 9, according to the latest FIH rankings.
However, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa remains optimistic about national squad’s chances in the Champions Trophy which begins on December 3.
“Pakistan have been in good form and in high spirits especially after they defeated world champions and world No 1 team Australia in their last outing in the final of the tri-nation series Down Under [the tournament also featured India],” Bajwa said.
“Our players are in good form and though it [the game against Germany] was a practice match the result shows that our team could give tough time to top international teams.
“Therefore, I hope that they would also do well in the Champions Trophy,” Bajwa remarked.
Pakistan would play their first match in the high-voltage tournament against England on Dec 3.
“They produced impressive show against Australia last month [by winning the tri-nation series] and now they have played well against Germany. It shows our team has started giving consistent performance,” Bajwa added.—Agencies
Dear visitor, the comments section is undergoing an overhaul and will return soon.