Thrilling draw: Malaysia, Pakistan battle to 3-3 stalemate in Nations Cup opener
BUKIT JALIL: It wasn't a perfect start, but Malaysia put on a commendable performance to salvage a 3-3 draw against Pakistan in their opening Nations Cup fixture at the National Hockey Stadium on Sunday (June 15).
Pakistan were quick to take charge of the match as Ahmad Nadeem gave them the lead just six minutes into the match, thanks to an assist by Sufyan Khan.
Three minutes later, the Green Shirts doubled the pain for Malaysia as Abdul Rehman converted a penalty corner.
But Malaysia were not going to let things slip past them that easily as veteran player Fitri Saari closed the gap for Malaysia in the 49th minute.
The final quarter saw more action from Sarjit Singh's men as Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan equalised for the hosts in the 52nd minute from a penalty corner.
Pakistan then fired one back to take the lead again through Ashraf Waheed Rana in the 54th minute.
Cue Syafiq once again came to Malaysia's rescue and levelled things up again in the 56th minute.
Meanwhile, in the other Group B match, New Zealand defeated Japan 2-1.
In Group A, France won 6-5 against South Korea, while South Africa and Wales drew 4-4 in their opening match.
Malaysia will take on New Zealand next on Monday (June 16).
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