Pakistan defeated hosts Malaysia to to book a place in the Azlan Shah Cup final against Australia, here on Saturday.
Pakistan scored first in the eight minute when the veteran Sohail Abbas converted Pakistan’s first penalty corner.
Waqas Akbar extended Pakistan’s lead to 2-0 when he scored from open play in the 21st minute.
The hosts fought back to cut the lead to half at the stroke of half time.
The second half got off to a frantic start with both teams earning penalty corners early on in the proceedings. But the defenses were up to the mark, denying the opposition to score.
50 minutes in to the game Pakistan forward Shakeel Abbasi scored from open play to extend Pakistan’s lead to two goals.
Tempers flared in the final quarter, and Abbasi was shown the green card for continued dissent. Malaysia capitalised and cut back the lead to one goal when Razie scored in the 57th minute.
Pakistan got a scare in the closing moments, as the hosts were awarded a penalty stroke with three minutes left on the clock. However, the decision was reversed before the Malaysians could take the stroke.
Pakistan top Malaysia 3-2 to advance to Azlan Shah Cup final
