New Zealand posted their third successive victory by prevailing 3-1 over an erratic Pakistan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.
By virtue of this win, New Zealand not only boosted their points tally to nine but also consolidated their position on top of the standings.
After taking a three-goal lead four minutes into the second session, the Black Sticks had to ward off numerous Pakistani raids from which the Asian champions could score only once.
New Zealand had earlier outplayed India and Argentina in their previous matches, while Pakistan has three points from their win against Argentina.
Ryan Archibald opened the scoring off a pass from Arun Panchia in the eighth minute and Andy Hayward converted a penalty corner two minutes later to help New Zealand race to a 2-0 lead.
Pakistan missed a good scoring chance in the 13th minute when a cross from Muhammad Waqas drifted across the goalmouth with two Pakistan strikers unable to push it in.
Pakistan forced two penalty corners but Muhammad Imran and skipper Sohail Abbas failed to make an impression with their shots on the New Zealand goal.
New Zealand came close to scoring two minutes into the second half when Hayward’s shot rebounded off the post, but two minutes later Nick Wilson made it 3-0 by capitalising on a penalty corner rebound.
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