Pakistan drop points, held to 4-4 draw by New Zealand

Monchengladbach, Sep 8 (UNI) Four-time champion Pakistan snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat as they played a 4-4 draw and split crucial points with New Zealand in their second league match of the hockey World Cup here today.

Both the teams now have four points each after two matches.

In the thrilling encounter, the teams were locked 2-2 at half time.

For Pakistan, the goal scorers were Shakeel Abbasi (9th), Mohd Zubair (21st and 60th) Rehan Butt (46th) while for New Zealand Dean Couzins (14th, 36th), Blair Hopping (18th) and Hayden Shaw(53rd) sounded the board.

The 70-minute encounter produced fast paced game with both the teams attacking each other's citadel with regular frequency. While Pakistan were depending on their tried and trusted duo of Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt to create openings, the Kiwis attacked from the middle.

It was an engrossing battle as the Kiwis, relying on blinding pace and speed, attacked the rival defence while the Pakistanis attempted to make incisive counter attacks.

Pakistan led once and came back thrice from behind to force the draw while the Kiwis failed to defend the lead thrice.

Pakistan took the lead in the ninth minute when Rehan Butt made a superb solo move from the centre and dribbled past the defenders.

But in the circle he was tackled from behind by Shea Mcaleese resulting in a stroke. Shakeel Abbasi made no mistake in converting it (1-0).

The Pakistan joy was short lived as the lead lasted barely five minutes before the Kiwis struck back to equalise. A lightning countermove and a defensive lapse led to the first penalty corner.

Hyden Shaws shot hit a Pakistan defender's foot leading to stroke.

Dean Couzins made no mistake in converting it (1-1).

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