New Zealand Continue To Dominate Top Spot After 3-1 Win Over Pakistan

IPOH (Perak, Malaysia), May 28 (Bernama) -- Unbeaten New Zealand maintained its position at the top of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup table after beating last year's runner-up Pakistan 3-1 at the Azlan Shah Stadium here Sunday. New Zealand who had been the most impressive team in the competition with two big wins against Argentina (5-2) and India 5-1, took a two goal lead in the first half through Ryan Archibald (8th min) and Andy Hayward (11th min). Nick Wilson made it 3-0 in the 40th minute before Pakistan reduced the deficit with Abdul Haseem Khan's 44th minute strike. In another match played later, Argentina scored their first win by edging South Korea 4-3 with goals from Martin Vila (10th min), Agustin A Mazzilli (34th min) and a brace by Facundo Callioni (46th min, 70th min). South Korea's goals came through Nam Hyun Woo (4th min) and Jang Jung Hyun (42nd min, 48th min). The third match of the day saw Great Britain inflict further misery on India, beating the former champions 3-2. It was the second defeat for the Indians who had lost tamely to New Zealand 1-5 on the opening day. Great Britain took the lead in the 28th minute when Glenn Kirkham struck the target and Ben Hawes made it 2-0 in the 44th minute before Ragunath Ramachandra sounded the board with a powerfully struck penalty corner in the 55th minute. Sunil Vitalacharya then made it 2-2 in the 59th minute Nick Catlin made sure of all three points for Great Britain with 62nd minute goal. Malaysia who had a rest day on Sunday will face India Monday night in a match that both teams must win. Host Malaysia who have played two matches so far but drawn both their matches against South Korea and Great Britain need to collect three points and coach Tai Beng Hai feels, the key would be to avoid giving away penalty corners to the Indians. "India's Sandeep Singh has a good track record when taking penalty corners and we need to avoid giving away unnecessary penalty corners," he said. --BERNAMA