NEW DELHI: Firhan Ashari scored a brace as Malaysia defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the second game of the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy Hockey at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.
Ashari was the star of the match, scoring two crucial goals for his team in the 28th and 29th minutes. Shello Silverius also contributed with a goal in the 44th minute.
Pakistan managed to pull one goal back through Abdul Rehman in the 55th minute but couldn't mount a successful comeback.
The opening quarter of the match was an engaging one, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities, including a penalty corner each, but they couldn't convert these chances into goals.
However, the second quarter saw a change in the game's dynamics as Malaysia capitalised on two consecutive occasions just before halftime. Ashari showcased his acrobatic skills, scoring two field goals in quick succession, giving Malaysia a significant advantage as they headed into the halftime break.
Throughout the match, both teams created scoring chances, with Malaysia having an unsuccessful penalty corner conversion. However, Malaysia's clinical finishing proved to be the difference, securing them a well-deserved victory.
After the restart, Pakistan continued to find ways to penetrate and score, coming close on some occasions but failed to find the back of the net. Also, the physical gameplay from both the sides made things difficult for the Men in Green, resulting in several injury stoppages.
Nevertheless, a minute before the third quarter ended, Malaysia tripled their lead, as Silverius comfortably tapped the ball past Pakistan goalkeeper Akmal Hussain.
Faisal Saari beautifully created the scoring chance for Malaysia as he seamlessly ran with the ball all alone from the right flank despite a Pakistani defender chasing, before beautifully passing it to an unmarked Silveius, who completed the formality.
As the final quarter went underway, Pakistan earned a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute. However, Abdul Rana's effort was denied by the Malaysian goalkeeper Muhajir Abdu, who moved to his right to make the save.
The Men in Green eventually got a consolation goal in the 55th minute with Rehman scoring from a field effort.
(With PTI inputs)
