KARACHI: Pakistan performed much below expectations against hosts Malaysia as no one thought the Green Shirts, ranked fifth in the world, would level with a team that’s ranked 13th in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, said Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui on Thursday.

“Our chances of victory were 80 per cent and theirs 20 per cent. It was supposed to be an easy win for us but instead we drew 2-2 with a weak opponent. No one expected this,” he said.

“There were several reasons contributing to the loss. The issue of the team’s fitness comes up in every match, especially in the second half,” he pointed out. “Then the forward line is not availing the chances coming its way. This is due to a lack of proper training,” he added.

“Also we haven’t perfected hitting penalty corners. We could only convert one out of five in this match. Malaysia got 11 and converted two but they are not a front-ranking side while Pakistan is,” said Islah.

“And while we continue to make one mistake after the other, our opponents capitalise on them to beat us. Malaysia took the lead and was ahead by 2-1 as Pakistan struggled throughout the match trying to catch up with them,” Islah regretted.

“The draw actually saved us from embarrassment as it looked like the game was going in their favour. Malaysia could have won! “Being the Asian champions, the most experienced side there at the moment, Pakistan should be winning this tournament. But instead of moving ahead we retrograded with one win, two losses and one draw,” he said. “After five years, the federation should have made three fine teams. Instead, they are still experimenting,” Islah concluded.