Pakistan Advances to FIH Nations Cup Semi-Finals

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite a setback against New Zealand, the Pakistan men’s hockey team secured a spot in the FIH Nations Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. Malaysia’s win against Japan in their final Pool B match at the National Hockey Stadium confirmed Pakistan’s advancement.

Earlier, Pakistan faced New Zealand, suffering a narrow 4-3 defeat in their last group-stage match. This result left their semi-final hopes hanging on the outcome of the Malaysia versus Japan game.

Malaysia, positioned third with one point and a negative one-goal difference after two games, needed a two-goal victory over Japan to surpass Pakistan’s goal difference and secure the second qualifying spot from Pool B.

Malaysia defeated Japan by a score of 2-1; however, this was not enough to overtake Pakistan’s superior goal difference, allowing Pakistan to proceed to the final four alongside New Zealand.

Pakistan will now compete against Pool A leaders France in the initial semi-final match on Friday. Following that, New Zealand will face Korea in the subsequent semi-final showdown.

The championship match for the eight-nation tournament is scheduled for Saturday.

Flashback: Pakistan’s Tournament Journey
  • Pakistan’s tournament opener against Malaysia concluded in a 3-3 draw, despite Pakistan holding the lead twice.
  • Ahmed Nadeem and Abdul Rehman provided Pakistan with an early advantage, scoring two quick goals in the first quarter and maintaining a 2-0 lead into the final quarter.
  • Malaysia responded in the fourth quarter, with Fitri Saari and Syed Cholan leveling the score with successive goals.
  • Rana Waheed Ashraf briefly put Pakistan ahead, but Cholan scored again two minutes later, securing his second goal and a 3-3 tie.
  • In their second match, Pakistan narrowly defeated Japan 3-2, staging a comeback after trailing 2-1.