BEIJING, Aug 14: Pakistan will come under their sternest test at the Beijing Olympic hockey tournament when they clash with title holders Australia at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium on Friday at 4.30pm (PST).

Awesome Australians have scored runaway victories over Canada and South Africa while the Pakistanis were not too impressive in their opening two games.

The Australians are formidable because of their strong attack and alert defence and given their current form, they are the front runners to defend their crown.

Eli Matheson, Jamie Dwyer, David Guest and Grant Schubert are dangerous players in the Australian squad and can prove a major threat to the Pakistan defence.

Zeeshan Ashraf’s team must produce their best against Australia to show to the hockey world that they are still reckoning despite being placed at the seventh spot in the 12-team contest.

Because of the attacking style of Australia and Pakistan, matches between them have always been exciting and a similar kind of tussle is expected in this game.

Pakistan may be bringing back seasoned goalkeeper Salman Akbar, who was rested against Canada. Drag-flicker Imran Warsi may also be returning to the side along with teenage forward Abbas Haider, who was suspended for a game against Canada.

However, to topple a team like Australia, Pakistan need to utilise all their resources and score field goals and convert penalty-corners.

To win against Australia, Pakistan need to overcome their missing habits which could prove a major factor in the outcome of the match.

Pakistan enjoy a clear cut edge over Australia in Olympics, having recorded nine victories out of the 11 with two losses.

Since 2000, the two teams have a close track record in Olympics, World Cup and Champions Trophy with Pakistan winning 18 and Australia 16 with six ending in a draw. Pakistan have scored 88 goals and Australia 86 in those encounters.

Pakistan’s forward Shakeel Abbasi said on Thursday he was eager to show his magic against Australia.

“I am looking forward to excel against them,” he said.

“This is an important game and we want to win it,” he said, adding that the team wanted to give an Independence Day gift to the nation.

Pakistan must beat Australia to keep their chances of progressing to the semi-finals from group ‘B’ alive.

“We know the Australians are in great form after a 6-1 win over Canada and 10-0 drubbing of South Africa. But we are ready and equipped to meet all challenges against them,” he added.

Shakeel, who has scored 65 goals in 211 international matches, said: “We are not under any kind of pressure. Pakistan have the potential to topple Australia.”—APP