- Pakistan’s hockey team suffered a defeat against India.
- dia claimDespite the loss, Pakistan secured the silver medal.
- Pakistan’s captain, Rana Abdul Waheed, emerged as the tournament’s top-scorer .
In a challenging encounter during the final of the Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier in Salalah, Oman, Pakistan’s hockey team faced a stroke of misfortune as they were defeated by their arch-rivals, India, in a penalty shootout.
The thrilling match, which saw a total of eight goals, ultimately resulted in India securing the championship by successfully converting two penalties. Nevertheless, Pakistan managed to secure the silver medal by finishing as the tournament’s runners-up.
The game began with Abdul Rehman of Pakistan netting the opening goal in the 5th minute, but India’s Jugraj Singh responded swiftly, equalizing just two minutes later. India then took the lead in the 10th minute when Maninder Singh found the back of the net. However, Pakistan once again displayed resilience, leveling the game just three minutes after India’s goal.
Comeback is on the cards 🏑
Pakistan hold a slender lead as we go into half time. India will mount a comeback in the second half to win this final 💪#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #Hockey5s pic.twitter.com/JTFqmK6Icy
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 2, 2023
The first half concluded with a 3-2 lead in Pakistan’s favor, thanks to Zikriya Hayat scoring another goal just moments before halftime.
The second half was equally eventful, with Arshad Liaquat scoring for Pakistan in the 19th minute. However, India’s Mohammad Raheel netted two goals in the second half, ensuring that the match ended in a draw.
The fate of the game was sealed in the penalty shootout. Unfortunately for Pakistan, their players, Mohammad Murtaza and Arshad, were unable to convert their penalties, while India’s Maninder and Gujrot Singh successfully found the back of the net, with the latter delivering the winning shot.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan had standout performers in the tournament. Captain Rana Abdul Waheed emerged as the top-scorer of the tournament, amassing an impressive tally of 27 goals. Additionally, goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Both Pakistan and India have secured their spots in the upcoming 2024 Hockey5s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Muscat, Oman.