Pakistan defeat South Korea to clinch test series with 3-0 lead

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan's national hockey team continued its impressive run by defeating South Korea in the third match

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan’s national hockey team continued its impressive run by defeating South Korea in the third match of the four-Test series, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead and sealing the series with one game still to be played.

The third Test, played at the Nasir Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, turned out to be an exciting contest filled with momentum shifts, dramatic goals, and a spirited comeback by the home side. Pakistan displayed resilience and determination, recovering from two separate deficits before claiming a memorable victory in front of the home crowd.

South Korea made the stronger start and took the lead in the opening quarter. Their early pressure paid off in the 11th minute, when Lim Deun found the back of the net with a well-taken goal, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Pakistan attempted to respond before the end of the first quarter but was unable to create a clear scoring opportunity.

The second quarter saw Pakistan dominate possession and launch several attacks on the Korean goal. The hosts earned promising opportunities and repeatedly tested the opposition’s defence, but they failed to convert their chances into goals. South Korea remained organised at the back and successfully protected its narrow lead. As a result, neither side managed to score during the second quarter, and the visitors went into halftime leading 1-0.

Pakistan finally restored parity in the third quarter when Hayat scored an important equaliser, lifting the spirits of both the players and the spectators. However, the celebrations were short-lived as South Korea responded quickly. Kim scored to put the visitors back in front, allowing Korea to end the third quarter with a 2-1 advantage.

The fourth and final quarter produced the most thrilling action of the match, with a total of four goals scored. Pakistan came out with renewed energy and determination, pressing aggressively in search of another equaliser. Their persistence paid off as they erased South Korea’s lead and brought the match level once again.

The visitors briefly regained the advantage by scoring another goal to make it 3-2 increasing the pressure on the Pakistani side. However, Pakistan refused to give up. During the final ten minutes, the home team produced an outstanding display of attacking hockey, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities.

Pakistan’s relentless pressure eventually overwhelmed the Korean defence. The hosts not only equalised once more but also scored the decisive winning goal, completing a remarkable comeback. The Pakistani defence then held firm in the closing moments to preserve the lead until the final whistle, sealing another impressive victory.

With this win, Pakistan secured a commanding 3-0 lead in the four-match Test series, ensuring the series title before the final fixture. The result reflects the team’s growing confidence and consistency, providing a major boost as it continues preparations for upcoming international competitions.

Following the match, Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Wani distributed awards to the players in recognition of their performances. The ceremony was also attended by two legendary figures of Pakistan hockey, Olympians Samiullah and Hassan Sardar, who were present as special guests and applauded the team’s fighting spirit and successful series-winning performance.