New Zealand on Saturday handed Pakistan a 5-3 drubbing during their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tie in a bid to put their title defence back on track in Ipoh.
Mohammad Arslan Qadir gave Pakistan another fine start by scooping the ball past Kyle Pontifex in the eighth minute, but left looking for support as the Kiwis started to attack.
In the 11th minute, New Zealand levelled Pakistan’s score after Stephen Jenness steered in a hit from outside the circle by George Muir.
Kiwi skipper Simon Child, in the 19th minute, helped his side take lead when he scored a goal from top D with a reverse hit, beating Imran Butt the ball went through his legs.
However, Pakistan bounced back in the 23rd minute when Mohammad Irfan Jr steered the ball into the goalpost, but 15 minutes later, a direct hit by Nic Woods put the New Zealanders back in charge.
Woods continued his impressive run and in the 42nd minute scored another goal off a well taken penalty corner.
Two minutes later, a cheeky relay by Wood to Kane Russell saw Pakistan virtually out of the game as Imran Butt hopelessly watched the ball being slammed past him.
Qadir continued to strive and in the game’s dying moments reduced Pakistan’s deficit by scoring his second goal of the day.
