India came from a goal down to defeat Pakistan 3-1 to register their first win in the 22nd edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Tuesday.
Pakistan took the lead in the 4th minute as skipper M Imran decided to relay the penalty corner attempt to the right for a diving M Waqas to turn into goal.But India hit back in the very next minute when Rupinder Pal Singh sent in a pile driver of a flick sailing into the Pakistan net.
India took the lead in the 9th minute when Akashdeep Singh pounced on the rebound after an initial attempt by Mandeep Singh came off Pakistan keeper Imran Butt who was playing in the place of regular Imran Shah.
Pakistan could have levelled in the 11th minute but M Irfan Junior made a hash of things with the goal gaping infront of him. Pakistan were awarded penalty corners in the 15th, 25th and 35th minutes, but Imran could not find the target as India led 2-1 at halftime.
Pakistan dominated proceedings in the first ten minutes of the second half, thanks to the untiring Shafqat Rasool, but they just could not find the final touch. In the 52nd minute Pakistan were awarded their fifth penalty corner but Imran pulled it just wide of the left post and India sighed in relief. In the 56th minute India went 3-1 up when Mandeep picked up the rebound from his deflection to send the ball into the roof of the net.
Pakistan chief coach Akhtar Rasool said the team wouldn't win matches if they missed sitters and penalty corners. "I am happy to see the players performing well. But this is all about scoring, and despite dominating the match we ended up losers," he added.
Hockey World Champions Australia were held to a 1-1 draw by 13th-ranked Malaysia with both teams now eyeing a place in Sunday's final. Australia tops the standings with Malaysia second, both on seven points after three matches. The other teams lag behind on three points after winning only one game.
Australia and Malaysia went into Tuesday's match undefeated but it was the Australians who had the better of their exchanges. Australia took the lead from a field attempt taken by Trent Mitton after a quick counter attack.
But they squandered chances from nine penalty corners and several other field attempts, while Faizal Saari scored for Malaysia with a drag flick from a penalty corner. Desperate defending and quality goalkeeping from Malaysia brought the match to the final 1-1 scoreline.
Meanwhile, New Zealand finally secured a win, defeating South Korea 3-0. The defending champions rank third in the table. They took the lead in the fourth minute with a goal from lurking Hugo Inglis. Cory Bennett then converted their first penalty corner, while Andy Hayward did the same later in the game.
Points table
Teams Played Wins Draw Lost GF GA Points
Australia 3 2 1 0 11 4 7
Malaysia 3 2 1 0 6 4 7
New Zealand 3 1 0 2 7 6 3
India 3 1 0 2 7 7 3
Pakistan 3 1 0 2 5 12 3
Korea 3 1 0 2 4 7 3