Summary
- Rana Waheed Ashraf put Pakistan ahead in the penultimate quarter, but South Africa responded through Mustaphaa Cassiem, whose fine strike brought the scores level at 3-3.
- Mustaphaa converted South Africa’s opening attempt, while Zikriya Hayat replied for Pakistan.
- Mustaphaa converted South Africa’s final attempt, bringing the shootout level at 3-3.
AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan ended their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign on a thrilling note, defeating South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the Wagenr Stadium on Friday to secure 11th place.
The victory gave the four-time world champions their best World Cup finish in two decades. Pakistan had finished 12th in the 2010 and 2018 editions, making Friday’s result an encouraging step forward for the national side.
South Africa made the stronger start and quickly put Pakistan under pressure. Trevor de Lora opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Dayaan Cassiem doubled the advantage three minutes into the second quarter.
Pakistan, however, refused to let the match slip away.
Afraz pulled one goal back before Mohammad Ammad restored parity, bringing Pakistan level before half-time and completely changing the momentum of the contest.
The comeback continued after the break. Rana Waheed Ashraf put Pakistan ahead in the penultimate quarter, but South Africa responded through Mustaphaa Cassiem, whose fine strike brought the scores level at 3-3.
The final quarter produced another dramatic twist. Mustaphaa converted a penalty corner in the 55th minute to give South Africa a 4-3 lead.
Pakistan saved their best moment for last.
With the clock running down, Muhammad Hammaduddin found the net in the final minute to make it 4-4 and force a penalty shootout.
The shootout was equally tense.
Mustaphaa converted South Africa’s opening attempt, while Zikriya Hayat replied for Pakistan. Calvin Davis and Umar Mustafa then scored to keep the teams level.
South Africa’s next two attempts by Hans Neethling and Jamie Seales failed to find the net, while Hannan Shahid converted for Pakistan to put his side ahead.
Rana Waheed Ashraf then had the chance to finish the contest but missed. Mustaphaa converted South Africa’s final attempt, bringing the shootout level at 3-3.
With the pressure at its highest, former captain Ammad Butt stepped forward for Pakistan’s decisive attempt. He kept his composure and fired the ball home to seal a dramatic victory.
The result capped a spirited campaign for Pakistan and secured their highest World Cup placing since 2006, offering renewed hope for the country’s hockey revival.
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