Pakistan lost their match third successive match in the seven nation Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament, losing out to hosts Malaysia 2-3. The green shirts now lie at the bottom of the table having gained only three points from their four matches. They now have nearly no chance to reach the final of the tournament. They had lost their matches against New Zealand and South Korea earlier on. Pakistan will face off against India in their next match due to be played on Thursday.
Meanwhile, five-time champions India`s title hopes came a cropper after they suffered a 2-3 defeat against Argentina in a crucial match of the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Wednesday. India suffered from their inability to capitalise on openings and also feeble defense to allow Argentina to call the shots.
Two field goals by Matias Paredes (37th minute) and Santiago Montelli (38th) soon after the half-time gave Argentina the advantage and then Gonzalo Peillat (58th) converted a penalty corner to ensure a victory for the Pan American champions.
The Indians fought hard and reduced the margin twice through goals from Sardar Singh (48th minute) and V R Raghunath (61st minute), but an equaliser eluded them inspite of repeated attacks into the rival citadel.
India have now lost three of their five matches, logging just six points ahead of tomorrow`s last league outing against Pakistan.
Argentina have boosted their tally to nine points with three successive wins after starting with two losses.
The first session was mostly confined to the midfield with both teams often losing possession on top of the rival circle. India created two openings from the left flank, but were unable to capitalise on them.
India`s first penalty corner in the sixth minute was also wasted as Sandeep Singh`s rising flick was deflected out by a defender.
Black Sticks suffer first loss to Great Britain
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The men’s Black Sticks have lost to top seeds Great Britain at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia.
After winning the first three games of the tournament, New Zealand found the going much harder against the number four ranked side in the world.
Ashley Jackson opened the scoring for Great Britain after 18 minutes and they scored again before the break.
Ben Collier missed a straightforward opportunity for New Zealand from a penalty corner in the 48th minute as the Kiwis pressed the attack early in the second half.
They clawed back a goal through Andy Hayward, from a penalty corner in the 62nd minute, but that was all they managed.
The win will be a huge relief to Great Britain who have had a mixed tournament; they were held to a 3-3 draw by hosts Malaysia before rebounding to beat India on Sunday and losing to Argentina 3-2 on Monday.
The Black Sticks stay top of the table after their three wins and they face bottom-placed Malaysia tomorrow and second seeds Korea on Saturday before the final which is set down for Sunday.