Pakistan bounced back twice to hold traditional rivals India to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling contest of the first edition of the FIH Hockey5s in Lausanne, Switzerland on late Saturday. According to informa-tion made available here by Pakistan Hockey Fed-eration (FIH), India took the lead one minute into the game through Mohammed Raheel.
But Pakistan found a loophole in Indian defence and equalised in the 7th minute, thanks to Liaqat Arshad, who netted the goal via a deflection. At the end of half time, the match was tied at 1-1. The second quarter saw a high-intensity play. Pakistan’s several attacking moves were thwarted by a solid Indian defence. India once again got the lead when Gursahibjit Singh managed to beat Pakistan’s goalkeeper in the 18th minute to score a field goal. Pakistan levelled the game when 30 seconds before the closing time, Abdul Rehman deflected a fine cross from the right flank.
Earlier, a pair of goals in the two quarters each led Pakistan to a convincing 4-2 win against Poland in their opening match of the event.—APP
