Pakistan will take on New Zealand in their third league fixture of the FIH Nations Cup on Wednesday, aiming to build on the momentum from their recent win over Japan and stay in contention for a top finish in the tournament.
The Green Shirts have had a mixed start to their campaign in Kuala Lumpur. Their opening match on June 15 against hosts Malaysia ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after Pakistan squandered a commanding three-goal lead in the final quarter.
In their second outing, however, Pakistan bounced back with a spirited 3-2 victory over Japan in a tightly contested match. Goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Ali Ghazanfar, and Sufyan Khan ensured Pakistan stayed ahead despite persistent pressure from the Japanese side.
Japan’s Matsumoto Kazumasa and Yamasaki Koji managed to score, but Pakistan’s defence held firm in the closing minutes to secure the win.
The victory over Japan has provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s standing in the tournament as they eye a spot in the knockout rounds.
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Head coach Roelant Oltmans praised the team’s resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in defending their lead under pressure.
In contrast, the draw against Malaysia highlighted both Pakistan’s attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.
The team had surged ahead with goals from Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Rehman, and Rana Waheed Ashraf to lead 3-0, but Malaysia staged a remarkable late comeback, scoring three goals in the final quarter to level the match.
Pakistan now faces a crucial test against New Zealand, a side known for its physicality and structured play. A win on Wednesday would significantly improve Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the semifinals and further boost confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments.
The FIH Nations Cup serves as a qualification pathway for teams aspiring to secure a spot in the FIH Pro League.