Hockey: Rehan Butt fashions Pakistan victory

Published February 19, 2006

CHANDIGARH, Feb 18: Rehan Butt scored two goals to fashion Pakistan’s 3-1 victory over arch sub-continental rivals India in the second hockey Test match on Saturday.

The victory gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the annual six-Test series, having won the opening Test match 2-1 on Friday.

After a blank first session, Rehan opened the scoring by capitalizing on a cross right after Mudassir Ali tore through the Indian defence in the 41st minute.

India equalized four minutes later through a penalty corner conversion by Sandeep Singh, who sent a rasping drag-flick into the net.

Tariq Aziz put Pakistan ahead again in the 59th minute, deflecting a free hit into the boards. Tariq’s opportunistic shot, in a crowded circle, surprised Indian goalkeeper Bharat Chetri.

India were trying to bounce back when Rehan settled the fate of the match with his second goal in the 68th minute.

The third Test match will be played on Monday in the northern Indian city of Jalandhar.

Both teams will then cross the Wagah land border between India and Pakistan to play three Tests in Pakistan.—AP