Faizal Saari scored twice as host Malaysia stun defending Champions Pakistan 4-2 in the opening match of fourth Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament. Malaysia took the initial lead in the 13th minute of play from their first penalty corner.
Pakistan equalised five minutes later as Muhammad Aleem Bilal stunned the Malaysian Goalkeeper with a Stining shot. Bilal was on target again four minutes after half-time with a firm drive to put Pakistan in the lead.
Pakistan enjoyed the lead until the 37th minute when the game had to be stopped due to heavy showers.
Play resumed after a 20-minute break and Malaysia mounted a raid into the Pakistan Circle within a minute. Saari converted a penalty stroke in the 37th minute and Capitalised on a penalty corner rebound in the dying seconds.
Two other Malaysian goals – from Firhan Ansari and Shahril Saabah – also came off penalty corner rebounds.
Teams from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, South Korea, China and Japan are contesting for the Trophy.
