Three-time champions Pakistan became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the Asia Cup hockey tournament after defeating Malaysia 4-1 in their second Pool A match, here today.
After this victory, Pakistan are atop Pool A with six points from two games ahead of Malaysia who have three points from as many games.
Pakistan next play Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, while Malaysia will be up against Japan on the same day.
For the winners, all the four goals came through field efforts from the sticks of Muhammad Zubair (32nd), Muhammad Dilber (46th), Muhammad Waqas (60th) and Shafqat Rasool (67th). Malaysia's lone goal was scored by Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim in the 26th minute.
The clash between Pakistan and Malaysia was an absorbing contest with both teams playing aggressively. The two teams produced entertaining, fast hockey much to the delight of the crowd gathered at the Sultan Azlan Shah stadium.
Pakistan got the first scoring chance in the 16th minute when they earned their first penalty corner, only to waste it.
Another scoring opportunity went abegging for Pakistan soon when an unmarked Muhammad Dilber missed an open chance, hitting the ball wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
But Malaysia were quick to capitalise on their chances and shocked Pakistan in the 26th minute when Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim broke the deadlock with a powerful low dragflick to the left of experienced Pakistan goalkeeper Salman Akbar from the hosts first penalty corner.
Malaysia had a great chance of doubling their lead a few minutes later but an Mohd Fitri Sari shot wide with only Pakistan goalkeeper Akbar to beat.
