In a dramatic clash at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Pakistan narrowly lost 4-3 to an in-form New Zealand side in their final Pool ‘B’ match of the FIH Nations Cup. Despite the defeat, Pakistan’s hopes stayed alive — and thanks to Japan’s win over Malaysia in the final group game, the Green Shirts secured a place in the semi-finals.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. New Zealand, undefeated in the group stage, struck first in the 7th minute through Nic Woods, who netted a sharp drag-flick off a penalty corner. But Pakistan responded with intensity and passion, turning the tide by the end of the first quarter. Star performer Abdul Rehman equalized with a blazing drag-flick into the top corner and followed it up with a quick second goal after a defensive lapse from the Kiwis.
With momentum on their side, Pakistan extended their lead in the second quarter. Rana Waheed Ashraf calmly nudged the ball over the line, giving Pakistan a 3-1 lead at halftime and putting them on the brink of a famous victory.
However, New Zealand showed their class in the second half, dominated by their standout drag-flick specialist Scott Cosslett. In a relentless offensive display, New Zealand won six penalty corners, and Cosslett converted twice with flawless precision, leveling the score before the third quarter ended.
In the final quarter, Cosslett completed his hat-trick with a brilliant lofted drag-flick, pushing New Zealand ahead 4-3 and sealing their third consecutive win. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, and he credited his team’s calm approach and confidence in their process.
For Pakistan, the narrow loss left their semi-final qualification dependent on the result of the Malaysia vs. Japan match. The equation was clear: a two-goal win for Malaysia would eliminate Pakistan. But Japan had other plans and pulled off a crucial 2-1 victory, allowing Pakistan to finish second in the group and move forward.
Pakistan’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by grit and resilience. A thrilling victory against Japan and a tough draw against hosts Malaysia earlier in the group stage laid the foundation. Their attacking flair, driven by players like Abdul Rehman and Ashraf, and a solid defensive unit, have kept them in the hunt for glory.
The semi-finals will be held on June 20, followed by the final and third-place play-off on June 21. With a ticket to the FIH Pro League 2025–26 on the line, Pakistan now prepare for their biggest challenge yet — a shot at returning to the elite tier of international hockey.
