IPOH (Malaysia), March 9: Pakistan edged past defending champions New Zealand 4-3 in the opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey Tournament on Saturday.

Pakistan were helped by three goals from their captain Mohammad Imran who converted penalty corners in the 19th, 28th and 58th minutes. The other goal came from Abdul Haseem Khan in the 21st.

For New Zealand, Russell Kane converted a penalty corner in the 30th, Tarrant Blair scored a field goal in the 52nd. Another penalty corner conversion came from defender Hayward Andy in the 56th minute.

Pakistan coach Akhtar Rasool said that he was pleased with the result. “It was tough match to beat the defending champions. Imran Muhammad made the difference and it can only get better from now on,” he said.

Imran said he was happy to play his part in the team’s victory. “It was a team effort and this win is surely a morale booster for the tough contest ahead,” said Imran.

Pakistan’s arch-rivals India put up a spirited fight before going down 4-3 to six-time champions Australia.

India, who fielded a second string side, challenged their superior opponents but conceding two goals within two minutes of the second-half became the turning point of the game.

For Australia, Matt Gohdes scored in 24th and 39th while Glenn Simpson (39th minute) and Trent Milton (53rd) were the other scorers.

Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh converted both the penalty corners in the 40th and 68th while Malak Singh scored a brilliant field goal from an acute angle in the 51st minute.

In the final match of the day, hosts Malaysia scraped past South Korea 3-2.

Results: Pakistan 4    New Zealand 3 Australia 4    India 3 Malaysia 3    South Korea 2—Agencies