KARACHI: Pakistan were outplayed 5-1 by experienced World XI in the first of two-match series at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium here on Friday. Pakistan got the earlier lead in the first quarter when Adeel Latif converted a good move into a goal in the 6th minute of the match. Pakistan maintained their 1-0 lead in two quarters but couldn’t keep the control in the third quarter which saw World XI turning the match around with four consecutive goals. Captain Roderick Weusthof converted a penalty corner into a goal for the World XI to put Pakistan under pressure. The Dutch striker scored in the 33rd and 36th minute to give World XI a lead of 2-1. Five minutes later, Australian Grant Schubert scored to extend the lead 3-1. Phillip Meulenbroek scored the 4th goal for the touring side. Spanish David Alegre did it 5-1 for the vistors with a beautiful flick to score his first goal in the match. Pakistan made some very good moves despite being under deficit but they could not convert the moves into goals and finish it properly. The second match of the series will be played on Sunday in Lahore. Earlier, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah were present at the inaugural ceremony along with World XI and Pakistan hockey teams. World XI are touring Pakistan from January 18 to 21 to play against Pakistan. The visiting team members comprise players from Australia, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Spain.
Published in Daily Times, January 20th 2018.
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