Pakistan Tele-communication Company Limited (PTCL) and Pakistan Wapda entered the final of the 52nd NBP National Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) Stadium here on Monday. In a hotly contested first semi-finals PTCL edged out National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) by four goals to three after both team were at two-all at the breather.
In the second pre-finals, Pakistan Wapda overpowered Pakistan Army by three goals to one. The two outfits were stalemated at a goal apiece at the change of ends.
But it was the PTCL-NBP tussle that drew the most interest of the spectators. PTCL were the first to make inroads into the National Bank's stronghold and gained the ascendancy in the 23rd minute. International Shakeel Abbasi found the target with a splendid field goal.
Five minutes later National Bank's Olympian and captain Mohammad Nadeen Andy was able to restore parity with deft field try. PTCL stung, hit back within two minutes to once again gain the lead. International Ghazanfar Ali sounded the board from a penalty corner award. A minute before the lemon time hooter, National Bank once again restored the game on to an even keel. International Mohammad Anis found the net with a field effort. In the 47th minute PTCL had gone 3-2 ahead Aqeel Hassain slotted the ball home after a penalty corner drill.
In the 51st minute, PTCL were sitting pretty having surged to a 4-2 gain. Inayatullah was instrumental in netting a fine field goal.
In the 63rd minute, National Bank reduced the arrears to 3-4 with an Imran Ali Warsi's penalty corner conversion. From that point on, PTCL were able to keep the bankers at bay and thus, sealed a place for their first-ever National hockey final.
Pakistan Wapda with four international in their ranks after a playing a 1-1 draw with Pakistan Army at the interval, proved to be more than a handful for the soldiers and deservedly ran out winners. Pakistan Trio of Wapda's goals were conjured up by Zakirullah (two) and Mohammad Shabbir while Army's lone goal was netted by Mohammad Rashid.
Today's final is scheduled for 3:00 in the afternoon while the third place play-off will be held at 12:30 pm.
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