LAHORE: Pakistan under-21 hockey team defeated New Zealand 5-2 in the first match of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.

According to information released by the Pakistan Hockey Federation here on Monday, the green-shirts led 2-0 at half time.

Bilal Qadir drew the first blood in the 22nd minute, when he expertly deflected a strong cross from left. Two minutes before the half time, Mubashar doubled the lead on a penalty-corner.

New Zealand reduced the margin in the 46th minute when Sam Lane scored.

In the next two minutes, Pakistan struck a goal through Sohail Riaz, who finished off a fine combined move.

The green-shirts had a scare when Mac Wilcox made it 3-2 as he pounced on a penalty-corner rebound.

In the 51st minute, Sohail scored his second off a fine pass from Mohsin Sabir to make it 4-2.

Captain Dilber added his name to the scorers’ list in the last minute to make the tally.

On Tuesday, Pakistan will take on England.

Published in Dawn November 1st, 2016