Pakistan versus Australia: 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – Mid Match Analysis
Australia, the world champions is currently locking horns with Pakistan in the 10thcontest of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, taking place in Ipoh, Malaysia, today May 09.
Australia dropped Mark Paterson and Andrew Charter, while Pakistan replaced Muhammad Umar Bhutta with Muhammad Tousiq.
The two sides opened up the game quite maturely and exchanged one major strike each in the first three minutes of the game. Jason Wilson and Jacob Whetton carried out a strike, but it was denied by the hands of Imran Shah.
With the passage of every minute, the Kookaburras started a more offensive game. Owing to fast and furious play, Australia earned their first short-corner in the 14th minute of the game, but it was deflected by the Pakistani
goal-keeper.
In a counter-attack, the Greenshirts received their first penalty-corner, but to no avail. The low-flying shot from Muhammad Imran was blocked by George Bazeley. In the very next minute, Glenn Turner failed to capitalise a sitter after a fine work
from Whetton.
After an offensive play, Martin Madden was awarded a controversial penalty stroke in the 23rd minute which he successful converted into a goal. Australia took one goal lead in the game.
In a counter-offence, Pakistan earned their second short-corner in the 25thminute, but the player failed to stop the ball properly and wasted the opportunity. They continued the strike and earned another short-corner in the 28th minute.
This time Sohail Abbas sent the flicking shot at the goal and levelled the score at one-all. In the very next minute, the Aussies obtained their second short-corner, but failed to capitalise the chance.
Jason Wilson managed to take the ball at the top of the circle and sent a reverse shot at the Pakistani goal in the 34th minute to take the score at 2-1.
The remaining time period was a battle for the equaliser, but the Greenshirts failed to do so. The first half of play just concluded with Australia leading the game at 2-1 score. More information is on the way with the second period in the action.
Tags: