Malaysia stun Pakistan in Super-4

Malaysia grabbed a deserving 3-2 victory over Pakistan to brighten their chance playing the final in the ongoing Hero Asia Cup Hockey Championship yesterday at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium.

It is something a revenge for Malaysia, who conceded defeats to Pakistan in the 2013 Asia Cup Hockey Championship twice, 4-1 in the group phase and 3-1 in the place decider by 3-1 held in Malaysia.  

In the keenly contested first match of the Super Four phase Pakistan led the match for twice through Umar Bhutta scored in the first minute and Muahmmad Yaqoob scored one but Rahim Razie, Shahril Saabah and Saari Fitri of Malaysia eclipsed the Pakistan’s two times lead.  

In was the first move of the match from which Pakistan initiated scoring to break the deadlock inside 22nd seconds and tipped of a good prospect but their lead lasted only two minutes when Umar Bhutta scored an easy goal after receiving a ball from midfield inside the area and comfortably placed the ball giving Malaysian keeper no chance (1-0).

Pakistan, who have been struggling, thereafter their 7-0 win over Bangladesh in the first match, mighty Malaysia did not let the Pakistanis celebration to last long when they equalized it just two minutes later when  Rahi Razie converted a penalty corner after Marhan Jalil and Sukri Mutalib’s combination on 3rd minute (1-1).

After the one all draw of the first quarter, Pakistan restored their lead on 19th minute when Muhammed Yaqoob beautifully finished a field goal to extend the lead to 2-1 when the second quarter saw almost similar story as Pakistan dominated early possession but it was the Malaysian side who had more circle entries and shots at goal, but were kept out by the Pakistan defense. And Malaysia strongly pulled off a wonderful team move which saw Sharil Saabah scored the equalizer five minutes before the end the second quarter (2-2).

Pakistan had another strong attempt in the dying minute of the second quarter at the Malaysian goal but was narrowly missed the target when an Ajaz Ahmed’s fierce hit went outside the post 22nd.  

Malaysia, who came from behind twice and leveled the margin, were constantly putting Pakistan’s defense under pressure and finally earned their deserving lead.

From early in the third quarter, Malaysia stepped up their efforts and Saari Fitri sounded the board from a penalty stroke in the 33rd minute and this time Pakistani goalkeeper blocked the Malaysian forward without ball. Third quarter was ended with Malaysia leading 3-2 and which was ultimately the match result, though both the sides produced one golden opportunity each to score goal in the last quarter.

On 45th minute Rashid Mehmud of Pakistan after receiving a pass in an open space, down the right inside the circle but having Malaysian goalkeeper one on one situation nearer to the post was too late to hit. Malaysian chance came on 57th minute when Faizal Saari had almost an open net when Pakistan goalkeeper left the post open came out but the forward’s hit missed the far post.

Malaysia stun Pakistan in Super-4

Malaysia grabbed a deserving 3-2 victory over Pakistan to brighten their chance playing the final in the ongoing Hero Asia Cup Hockey Championship yesterday at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium. It is something a revenge for Malaysia, who conceded defeats to Pakistan in the 2013 Asia Cup Hockey Championship twice, 4-1 in the group phase and 3-1 in the place decider by 3-1 held in Malaysia. In the keenly contested first match of the Super Four phase Pakistan led the match for twice through Umar Bhutta scored in the first minute and Muahmmad Yaqoob scored one but Rahim Razie, Shahril Saabah and Saari Fitri of Malaysia eclipsed the Pakistans two times lead. In was the first move of the match from which Pakistan initiated scoring to break the deadlock inside 22nd seconds and tipped of a good prospect but their lead lasted only two minutes when Umar Bhutta scored an easy goal after receiving a ball from midfield inside the area and comfortably placed the ball giving Malaysian keeper no chance (1-0). Pakistan, who have been struggling, thereafter their 7-0 win over Bangladesh in the first match, mighty Malaysia did not let the Pakistanis celebration to last long when they equalized it just two minutes later when Rahi Razie converted a penalty corner after Marhan Jalil and Sukri Mutalibs combination on 3rd minute (1-1). After the one all draw of the first quarter, Pakistan restored their lead on 19th minute when Muhammed Yaqoob beautifully finished a field goal to extend the lead to 2-1 when the second quarter saw almost similar story as Pakistan dominated early possession but it was the Malaysian side who had more circle entries and shots at goal, but were kept out by the Pakistan defense. And Malaysia strongly pulled off a wonderful team move which saw Sharil Saabah scored the equalizer five minutes before the end the second quarter (2-2). Pakistan had another strong attempt in the dying minute of the second quarter at the Malaysian goal but was narrowly missed the target when an Ajaz Ahmeds fierce hit went outside the post 22nd. Malaysia, who came from behind twice and leveled the margin, were constantly putting Pakistans defense under pressure and finally earned their deserving lead. From early in the third quarter, Malaysia stepped up their efforts and Saari Fitri sounded the board from a penalty stroke in the 33rd minute and this time Pakistani goalkeeper blocked the Malaysian forward without ball. Third quarter was ended with Malaysia leading 3-2 and which was ultimately the match result, though both the sides produced one golden opportunity each to score goal in the last quarter. On 45th minute Rashid Mehmud of Pakistan after receiving a pass in an open space, down the right inside the circle but having Malaysian goalkeeper one on one situation nearer to the post was too late to hit. Malaysian chance came on 57th minute when Faizal Saari had almost an open net when Pakistan goalkeeper left the post open came out but the forwards hit missed the far post.