ISLAMABAD Pakistan Army and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) earned their berths in the final of the first ever Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Hockey Tournament by giving a dominating display to beat their opponents in the semi-finals at Naseer Bunda Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Friday.
Army's Rizwan Junior fired two goals in the 28th and 38th minutes of the match to rattle Wapda. Muhammad Kashif added another field goal in the 47th minute, giving the Army a 3-0 lead.
The lone goal for Wapda came from the stick of Muddasar Ali Khan in the 50th minute of the match. Both the teams missed some close chances before the match ended.
The semi-final between NBP and PTV was a completely one-sided affair as NBP won 5-0. Yasir Shabeer scored the first goal for NBP in the very third minute and netted another in 15th minute.
Mounting pressure on PTV, Full-back Attiq made the score line 3-0 by converting a penalty corner. While Nadeem Akbar and Muhammad Nadeem scored one goal apiece for NBP in the 45th and 50th minutes.
PTV could never break free from the NBP stranglehold and looked confused on whether to defend the onslaught or take an attacking route. They were however fortunate not to concede a few more goals.
The final would be played on Saturday at 300 PM at the same venue. Geo Sports will present a live telecast of the match.—APP
