KARACHI, June 2: Pakistan have wrapped up the three-match hockey series against French Club 3-0.

According to a message received here on Monday, Pakistan defeated French Combined XI 8-0 at the Le Touquet hockey club ground. Pakistan were leading the first half 4-0.

Mohammad Zubair blasted in four goals while Waqas Akbar scored two. Mohammad Ateeq and Haider Abbas contributed with one goal each.

Earlier on Friday, Pakistan had swept aside the Combined XI 11-2. Pakistan were leading 4-1 at the half time.

Rehan Butt banged in five, Mohammad Ateeq scored two on penalty-corners, while Mohammad Zubair (2) and Shakeel Abbasi (2) were the other scores.

Pakistan continued their winning streak on Saturday in their second match which was graced by the presence of Pakistan ambassador to France Asma Anees. Pakistan won the match 13-0.

Pakistan led the first half 7-0.

Rehan Butt scored three goals, Shakeel Abbasi (3), Mohammad Ateeq (2) on penalty corners and Waqas Sharif (2). Haider Abbas, Mohammad Zubair and Shabbir Ahmed scored one goal each.

Pakistan got five penalty-corners in the match.

After two days intensive training, Pakistan will leave for Belgium on Wednesday before flying out to Dublin, Ireland, on June 9 to take part in the four-nation tournament.

Pakistan’s manager-cum-chief coach Khawaja Zakauddin seemed to be satisfied with the performance of the team.

“I believe we are on the right path in our preparation for the Olympics,” Zaka said.

“We still need to work hard and try to rectify mistakes before the Olympics begin,” the coach added.

About the two Test matches against Germany, the manager said: “The first Test was tough as we had reached Germany after a tiresome tour of Kuala Lumpur, but the players put in all efforts to win it. Unfortunately, we lost by a slender margin of 2-1.”

“The second Test the very next day was too much for the players as they didn’t get respite to recuperate their energies.

“In such conditions, a 6-0 defeat was a foregone conclusion,” he maintained.—APP

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