Pakistan came from two goals down to beat a much improved China 5-3, taking 2-0 lea in a four-match series that marks the first international hockey series in the country for seven years. Forwards Waqas Sharif and Haseem Khan hit two goals each with Ali Shah netting once to lead Pakistan’s fightback after China dominated initial play with two goals by the 11th minute. China struck in the third minute when striker Dong Yang scored off the first penalty corner, going under the feet of Pakistani goalkeeper Salman Akbar, who had a miserable match. Liu Xiang Tang doubled the lead in the 11th minute when he sneaked past Pakistan’s defence to score a field goal, much to the shock of Pakistan.
Awoken by their rivals’ sudden surge, Pakistan struck three times within the next 14 minutes as Khan (14 and 28 minutes) and Waqas Sharif (23 minutes) put Pakistan ahead with 3-2. Yang pulled one back in the 54th minute in a slick move from the forward line before Sharif ended the score with another field goal in the 56th minute. Pakistan won the first match 3-0 on Wednesday in Karachi, in the first international hockey hosted by Pakistan in seven years. The remaining two matches will be played in Faisalabad on Saturday and Lahore on Sunday. Pakistan, who last hosted an international hockey game in 2004, hopes the Chinese tour will help convince other foreign teams to visit.
Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad, Sindh Governor, who was the chief guest of the match, announced the laying of a new blue astro-turf at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium here as the latest development in international hockey. He made the announcement after meeting Pakistan and Chinese hockey teams at the conclusion of second hockey test at HCP. “Sindh Government will be providing funding for the new turf at HCP replacing the current green turf which was laid here in 2004,” he told reporters. He said Pakistan and China are old friends and visit of the Chinese team to this country will further strengthen the friendship and brotherly ties. He said playing of Chinese team in Pakistan will bolster the sports and help in the revival of international sporting activities here.
Sindh Governor said it was heartening to see sports and hockey activities in Pakistan. He complimented Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in their effort to promote hockey and develop the infrastructure. Sindh Sports Minister Dr. Muhammad Ali hailed the announcement o the Governor on lying of a new blue turf in the stadium. “The laying of new turf will boost the game of hockey and increase activities,” Dr. Shah said. The third match of the series will be played at Faisalabad Hockey Stadium, Faisalabad, on December 24 at 1400 hours.
Pakistan come from behind to stun China
