In the electric atmosphere of Bukit Jalil’s National Hockey Stadium on June 15, Pakistan surged ahead early in the FIH Nations Cup opener. Just six minutes in, Ahmad Nadeem latched onto a slick assist from Sufyan Khan to break the deadlock and ignite the Green Shirts’ momentum. Moments later, Pakistan doubled their lead when Abdul Rehman capitalised on a penalty corner—leaving Malaysia reeling and the crowd holding its collective breath dawn.com+9thestar.com.my+9dailyexpress.com.my+9.
Malaysia, under coach Sarjit Singh’s steely guidance, refused to succumb. Veterans Fitri Saari and Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan spearheaded a stunning fourth-quarter revival. Fitri narrowed the gap in the 49th minute, while Syafiq struck off a penalty corner in the 52nd to level the game—proving that Malaysia’s determination was every bit as fierce as Pakistan’s early aggression thenews.com.pk+3thestar.com.my+3dailyexpress.com.my+3.
Pakistan responded quickly, with Rana Waheed Ashraf restoring their advantage in the 54th. But Malaysia’s resilience shone once more—Syafiq found the net again just two minutes later, completing a brace and sealing an electrifying 3–3 stalemate that had fans on the edge of their seats thenews.com.pk+2dawn.com+2geo.tv+2.
Post-match, Coach Sarjit praised the players’ mental toughness after a nervy, delayed start: “What else can you ask for? A very good comeback… we even had a last chance to make it 4–3” dailyexpress.com.my. Captain Marhan Mohd Jalil echoed his sentiment, urging his team to remain sharp and respectful of space moving forward thestar.com.my+2dailyexpress.com.my+2thestar.com.my+2.
Meanwhile, in Pool B action, New Zealand edged past Japan 2–1, bolstering Malaysia’s resolve ahead of their upcoming clash with the defending champions on June 16 thestar.com.my.
With eight teams vying for promotion to the elite FIH Pro League, every point matters. This enthralling opener sets the stage for an even more dramatic tournament as Malaysia and Pakistan redefine their rivalry in this crucial pathway to hockey’s top tier.
