Pakistan edge past South Africa by 12½-10 in Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship
After an outstanding performance, the Pakistan’s polo team emerged victorious over South Africa by a half and two goals, 12 ½ -10 in the second match of the Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship played at the Royal Pahang Polo Club in Pekan, Malaysia on June 19.
It is worth mentioning here that the Asian-Australian-African Polo Championship also serves as the FIP (Federation of International Polo) World Cup Final’s qualification round that is due to be played from October 11 to 25, 2011 in Argentinean city of San Luis.
It was a brilliant show where both the teams displayed impressive performances and enchanted the spectators. Owing to the fact the team was handicapped, the Pakistani team received a half and one goal in the head of handicaps that enhanced their strength on the field.
Having two triumphs in hands, the Pakistani side moved into the semi-final stage where they would face Australia, the most favourite squad of the championship. In the opening contest of the championship, Pakistan thrashed Nigeria by a half and seven goals.
Pakistan notched 12 ½ goals in the six set of plays against the ten goals of their competitors and rode away the field with victory.
It is vital to mention here that the players from Pakistan commenced the game quite maturely and executed very cautious passes in the opening chukkas.
Pakistani Saqib Khakwani, the veteran polo player, delivered his best and set the pace with six goals to carry his team into the next round of the championship. Ahmed Tiwana and his team-mate, Temur Nadeem, were among the other scorers with four and one goal, respectively. From the other side, every member of African team took part in the scoring. Duncan Watson, Johan Du Preez and Lance Watson notched three goals apiece, while their team-mate, Campbell Macrae, accounted for a single goal in the loss.
Interestingly, the South African side despite losing the game against Pakistan qualified for the semi-final round. It will face India in the semi-final contest of the seven-nation competition. The Indian team also has a higher goal-scoring ratio as compared to other semi-finalist, which will surely provide them an edge in the knockout stage.
Australia and Pakistan while holding four point apiece are looking to meet each other in the semi-final contest. According to some media reports Hissam Ali Hyder, the veteran polo pro of Pakistan having five handicaps, will also join the other team-members in the semi-final stage. He, who is famous among the sport’s circle as Namu, was donning the colours of Guards Polo Club in the recently concluded Queens Cup. The combination of Samiullah and Hyder will definitely serve to the team.
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