GNIEZNO, Aug 18: Pakistan recovered from a shaky start to defeat Malaysia 5-2 in the six-nation Challenge Cup Under-21 International hockey tournament on Monday.

Pakistan led 2-1 at breather after Malaysia stunned them by taking the lead in 13th minute with their skipper Engku Abdul Malek scoring off the opening penalty corner.

Penalty corner specialist Muhammad Imran, left-winger Adnan Zakir, forward Shabbir Khan, half back Imran Khan and right-in Tariq Aziz scored the goals for Pakistan. Ahmad Tajauddin scored the other goal for Malaysia.

Though Muhammad Imran returned to full fitness but not to the best form as Pakistan was able to convert just four penalty corners out of ten they earned. Malaysians secured seven short corners.

Pakistan scored two of its goals when Malaysian was reduced to nine-men after Ismail Abu and Muhammad Sufian Muhammad were sent off for rough play.

After Tuesday’s rest day Pakistan will meet Poland on Wednesday.

Earlier India got off to whirlwind start when they registered a runover 10-0 win over France.

India enjoyed 4-0 advantage at half time. Indians scored half of their goals by converting short corners.

Khandkar Tushar, Sinclair Adam, Sandeep Singh, Lakra Birender scored the pair of goals. Kumar Nitin, Mujtaba Hamza, and Dimple Girish scored the other goals.—APP