New Zealand defeat Pakistan to retain FIH Hockey Nations Cup with 6-2 goals win

Pakistani team get five penalty corners in penultimate quarter but failed to convert.

KUALA LUMPUR: New Zealand secured victorious in the final of the FIH Nations Cup on Saturday, defeating Pakistan to secure the coveted title and a place in the next season of the FIH Pro League.

New Zealand made a spirited start to the summit clash as they found the back of the net twice but were disallowed on both occasions.

They eventually struck their first goal in the sixth minute as Scott Coslett successfully converted the penalty corner.

New Zealand doubled their lead in the last minute of the first quarter, courtesy of a precise field goal by Sam Hiha.

They were even more ruthless in the subsequent quarter as they netted their third through Dylan Thomas within two minutes.

Sean Findlay scored a sensational field goal in the next minute, putting New Zealand in complete control, while Scott Boyde made it 5-0 with just under four minutes to the halftime.

Pakistan eventually scored their first goal in the fifth minute of the third quarter when Zikriya Hayat breached New Zealand’s defence to smash the ball at the back of the net.

The green shirts got five penalty corners in the penultimate quarter but failed to convert, meaning the scoreline remained intact at 5-1.

It was a match that saw the Green Shirts display a blend of youthful flair, tactical discipline and mental resilience. Down 2-0 midway through the third quarter, Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest through a sequence of brilliantly orchestrated goals, eventually forcing a shootout after a 3-3 deadlock in regulation time.

“We were ready for this win for a long time,” Player of the Match Rana Waheed had said after the final whistle. “Everything we have — we gave everything. [We are] thankful to Allah Almighty for helping us. We are really proud of the team and looking forward to the finals now.”

The win over France was especially significant, given Pakistan’s dramatic journey to the semi-finals. Despite a 4-3 defeat to New Zealand in their final group game — in which they had led 3-1 — Pakistan advanced ahead of hosts Malaysia on goal difference. Both teams had ended with four points, but Pakistan’s tally of nine goals edged Malaysia’s eight.

Pakistan’s Nations Cup campaign had begun with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Malaysia, followed by a convincing 5-2 victory over Japan. Although they faltered against New Zealand, they did enough across their group matches to qualify for the knockouts.

The final quarter saw both teams going hard at each other and it appeared that the scoreline would remain intact but New Zealand were awarded a penalty corner, which Coslett converted comprehensively.

Pakistan also scored in the next minute with Sufyan Khan converting a penalty corner but it was far from enough to pull Pakistan back as New Zealand registered a thumping 6-2 victory.