CWG Hockey: Pakistan, New Zealand on course for semis (Roundup)

NEW DELHI - Pakistan and New Zealand are on course for semifinal berths with two victories apiece as the competition in the Commonwealth Games men’s hockey tournament increased in intensity here Wednesday.

Pakistan, following their 3-0 win over Scotland Tuesday, just about survived a strong challenge from Malaysia, whom they beat 4-1 in pool A while the Kiwis overcame South Africa 4-2 in a highly entertaining pool B game.

Meanwhile, England opened their campaign in pool B, defeating Trinidad and Tobago 4-0 while World champions Australia waltzed past Scotland 9-0 in pool A.

The six points notwithstanding, both Pakistan and New Zealand face tough challenge ahead and need to remain unbeaten in the two games they have in hand if they hope to make it to the medal rounds.

Pakistan certainly showed good form against Malaysia who are virtually out of medal contention following their second defeat tonight as they again blew scoring opportunities as they had during their 3-2 defeat to India last night.

A Muhammad Imran penalty corner conversion in the 17th minute put Pakistan ahead and Malaysia equalized in the 33rd when Muhammad Amin Rahim came good with a drag-flick.

On change of ends, Pakistan stepped up the pace and scored twice within the first 10 minutes through Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt for a 3-1 advantage.

Butt then combined brilliantly with Muhammad Waqas who capped the 1-2 move down the middle that had the Malaysian defence in tatters.

Malaysia had their chances but their forwards were woeful inside the striking circle while their goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam repeatedly thwarted the Pakistani forwards with some fine saves.

Earlier, Australia were in command against Scotland with penalty corner specialist Luke Doerner converting thrice while forwards Cris Ciriello (2), Trent Mitton, Simon Orchard and Des Abbott also got into the act for a resounding 9-0 win.

On the other hand, England initially struggled to find their bearings, but looked the part in overcoming Trinidad and Tobago to begin their run on a positive note.

The Caribbean took heart from the fact that they put up a better display against the World Cup semi-finalists and were anything but disgraced.

In an early evening game, the Kiwis were pressed hard by the South Africans who kept pace for much of the 70 minutes, but a couple of errors in the opening minutes cost them dear as New Zealand did well to capitalize on the start to complete a convincing victory.