LAHORE: Pakistan’s hockey team has improved its ranking after an outstanding performance in the FIH Nations Cup.
After beating Canada 8-1 and drawing with Malaysia, Pakistan climbed two places to 14th in the FIH rankings.
After losing in the final of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024, Pakistan slipped from 15th to 16th in the FIH ranking.
Pakistan beat Canada 8-1 in the second match of the ongoing FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland on Monday.
Four goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, one from Ghazanfar Ali and one each from Abdul Rehman and Hannan Shahid saw the Green shirt dominate.
Canada’s Anan Davies opened the scoring in the second minute of the match, but Pakistan responded less than five minutes later after Waheed Ashraf equalized with a superb strike.
Rana doubled Pakistan’s lead in the 27th minute and the Green Shirts ended the second quarter with a goal.
The third quarter was no different from the second as the Greenshirts scored another goal with Ghazanfar Ali finding the back of the box.
However, the best was yet to come as the Greenshirts played an attacking game and kicked five more goals, leaving the Canadian side with no space to spare.
In the first match against Malaysia, Pakistan made a brilliant comeback and leveled with a last minute goal.
In the first quarter, Malaysia scored three goals, but Pakistan, known for their resilience, did not give up the game and equalized.
Pakistan will now face France in the final pool match of the tournament on June 5.
Pakistan hockey team on the rise amid Nations Cup
