Pakistan overcame fighting New Zealand 4-3 in the opening match of 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, and the team is relishing the success. However, Pakistan team coach Akhtar Rasool, while expressing satisfaction, said that the team was a bit
unsettled by the weather but felt good with the way the tournament
began for the team.

“We are very happy that we beat New Zealand in a
tough match. Kiwis played very well. We have four new players in the
squad and despite that it was a great effort by the team. After
leading comfortably, the midfield crumbled for about 10 to 15 minutes
allowing them to fight back. But our penalty corners clicked today and
we are confident of doing well in the other matches,” he said.

Captain Imran Muhammad, who struck a hat-trick of goals, said he was happy to play his part in the win.

“It was a team effort and this win is surely a morale
booster for the tough contest ahead.”

New Zealand coach Colin Batch said that even though the loss was a
setback, he saw the positive side of three youngsters getting drafted
into the side and making good use of opportunities thrust upon them.
He added that the squad had five youngsters of 18 years age and said
that he looks forward to a better team effort in the remaining
matches.

Batch was happy that the rains helped
to cool down things in the middle. He was appreciative of the way the
Kiwis came back from 0-3 to make it 3-3 and labelled it as a
commendable achievement.

Players who made Senior International Debut:

For New Zealand
2.Cory Bennet
7. Nick Ross
14 Jared Panchia

For Pakistan
10 Muhammad Imran Junior
17 Tasawar Abbas
18 Muhammad Irfan Junior