Malaysia made a good start in the super-4 stage of the Hero 10th Men's Asia Cup Hockey upsetting three times champions Pakistan beating them by 3-2 goals in the opening match at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium in the city on Wednesday, reports UNB.
Rahim Razie, Saabah Shahril and Saari Fitri contributed one goal each for Malaysia while Umer Bhutta and Muhammad Yaqoob scored one each for Pakistan in a keenly contested match.
In the day's vital match, Umer Bhutta put Pakistan ahead in the twinkling of an eye in the very 22nd second of the match by a reverse hit off Imran Muhammad push (1-0).
Rahim Razie leveled the margin for Malaysia in the 10th minute by drag and push from 2nd penalty corner (1-1).
Muhammad Yaqoob again put Pakistan ahead in the 19th minute connecting the ball from a free hit (2-1).
Saabah Shahril restored the parity for Malaysia in the 25th minute by a brilliant hit (2-2).
Saari Fitri scored the match-winning goal for Malaysia in the 34th minute from a penalty stroke (3-2). Malaysia were awarded the stroke when Pakistani custodian made an illegal tackle.
Malaysia will play India at 5:30 pm while Pakistan will play South Korea at 3 pm on today (Thursday).
