KARACHI, Dec 21: A superior game displayed by Pakistan and some lack of technique from the Chinese players saw the first match of the Friendship Hockey Series between the two countries ending in a 3-0 win for the hosts at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) on Wednesday.

All the three goals were scored on penalty-corners as Pakistan managed to utilise three of the six that came their way.Pakistan made the guests do all the running around on the field as they chased after the ball while the green shirts dominated the proceedings.

The first penalty-corner was converted by Mohammad Irfan in the 15th minute followed by several lost chances until skipper Mohammad Imran converted another in the 23rd minute. Pakistan were leading by 2-0 at halftime.

The game gained momentum in the second half as China showed more enthusiasm. They even managed to get three penalty-corners but failed to utilize any of them. Meanwhile, Pakistan scored their third goal through Mohammad Toseeq off another penalty-corner in the 51st minute. The lead was maintained till the final whistle as this historical Karachi ground, that once held jam-packed crowds, echoed with slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” from the meager crowd spread out in the main stand.

Later, Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran said that they were able to win so easily due to fine teamwork.

Team coach Khawaja Junaid said that it won’t be wise to underestimate the Chinese side. “They are strong players who have it in them to bounce back,” he pointed out. The first match saw goalkeeper Salman Akbar and midfielder Waseem Ahmed being rested but Junaid said that they will both be seen in action in the second Test on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Chinese team captain Lu Fenghui hoped that they would be able to overcome their missing in the next match.

Chinese coach Guo Jie also hoped that the boys would be able to learn from the mistakes they committed in this match. About the HCP pitch, he said: “It is a good surface. We found nothing wrong with it.”

Earlier, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, the chief guest on the occasion, congratulated the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for being able to hold an international match in a safe and friendly environment. He hoped to see more such tournaments taking place in the country in future as well. Sindh Minister for Sports Dr Mohammad Ali Shah was another VIP present on the occasion. Security was tight but not overwhelming. Still it was apparent that the return of international hockey after a gap ofseven years has left those in charge of organising such high-level matches rather rusty. There were several hiccups; No national anthems of both countries could be heard ahead of the encounter while the match commenced some 20 minutes late.

Also, there was no one to work the scoreboard which caused some problems.

It is hoped that things will run more smoothly during the second Test at the same venue on Thursday. The match, also being aired live on PTV, starts around 2.00pm.