Draw against PIA keeps NBP in race for top-four |
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07-Feb-2012
The News
The News correspondent
KARACHI: Defending champions National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) kept their 59th National Hockey Championship title aspirations alive by registering a dramatic 3-3 draw against in-form Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) here on Monday.
The precious point keeps the bankers in the dogfight for the crown as they are at fifth position with 13 points from seven matches. But quite a lot depend on their next match against SSGC, who defeated PHF Academy 4-1 and are at fourth position with 15 points from eight matches.
Three points for either SSGC or NBP may decide the last-four lineup although a few matches remain to be played.
PIA-NBP tie was by far the best match of the event so far, played with plenty of flair, which led to attack after attack on both the goalposts. It were the reigning champions who broke the deadlock in 23rd minute thanks to a superb drag-flick by Mohammad Atiq from a penalty corner.
PIA raised their game with Shafqat Rasool being the prominent thorn for NBP, but they failed to unlock their opponent’s defence line in the first period. The barrage of attacks continued in the second period and PIA struck two goals in the space of six minutes to go 2-1 up. First Shafqat struck in the 43rd minute and Adnan Anwar rounded off an excellent counterattack six minutes later.
The balance of the game suddenly shifted as NBP were left shell-shocked, but they received a lifeline three minutes before the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty corner. Atiq made no mistake and put NBP level on terms.
However, PIA restored their one-goal advantage five minutes from time after fullback Kashif Ali slotted the ball home from a penalty corner. But Ali Shan grabbed an all important equaliser in 68th minute to keep his team kicking alive in the event.
PIA remain table toppers with 20 points from eight matches. Meanwhile, WAPDA bagged a comfortable 4-1 win against Army who looked out of sorts on the day with chief playmaker Hassan Arafi sitting out due to an injury.
Mohammad Imran struck two goals and flying winger Waqas Sharif and Rehan Butt notched up one apiece. Mohammad Safeer scored the only goal for Army, an awful one, though.
He received the ball from his defender who was in his own half and nobody marked Safeer as he glided the ball into the net.
WAPDA have moved to the third position with 16 points from seven matches. Army remain second with 18 points from eight matches, but they are likely to lose the spot to WAPDA, who have a match in hand. Forward Shabbir Ahmed Khan scored a brace in SSGC’s 4-1 victory against PHF Academy, while Port Qasim defeated HBL 2-1. |
