MELBOURNE: Pakistan hockey team continued their dismal run in the on-going four-nation International Hockey Festival in Australia as little known Japan routed them 3-1 at Melbourne’s State Netball Hockey Centre on Thursday.

The loss means Pakistan are eliminated after two defeats with the first being a their record heaviest defeat — 9-1 by hosts Australia.

In day’s other match, hosts Australia defeated New Zealand 4-1.

The results mean Australia have qualified for the final with a game to spare with Japan second on four points, with New Zealand third on one point.

Thursday’s defeat added to the Green Shirts’ misery who failed to defy a strong challenge of the spirited Japanese side which came with full force to chalk out a fine win.

In a dooms day story, Pakistan seemed helpless in front of the Japanese side which struck goals with lovely coordination and speedy moves finished by Kenty Tanaka in the 14th and 46th minutes and Genki Matani taking it further away from the struggling Pakistanis with a strike in the 50th minute.

All four goals of the match came through open play with Pakistan scoring a consolation goal in the 60th minute courtesy Atiq Arshad.

The Green Shirts will take on New Zealand on November 11 in a match in which the former will have nothing to lose.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2017