Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in the semi-final of the FIH Nations Cup, taking place in Gniezno, Poland, on Saturday. The eagerly anticipated match will begin at 9:00 pm (PST). Concurrently, the other semi-final between South Africa and France is scheduled for 6:30 pm.
The winner of the FIH Nations Cup will secure a spot in the next season of the FIH Pro League, adding significant stakes to the tournament. The final of the FIH Nations Cup will be played on Sunday, June 9.
In their recent match, Pakistan narrowly lost to France in a thrilling 6-5 encounter on Wednesday. France took an early lead with Victor Charlet scoring from a penalty corner in the 7th minute, followed by Rogeau Blaise’s field goal in the 14th minute, ending the first quarter at 2-0 in favor of France.
Gaspard Baumgarten added another goal in the 23rd minute, and Charlet netted again in the 25th minute, further asserting France’s dominance. Pakistan began their comeback with Abu Mahmood converting a penalty stroke in the 26th minute, followed by Murtaza Yaqoob’s goal from a penalty corner in the 29th minute.
Despite Charlet completing his hat-trick in the 39th minute, giving France a 5-2 lead by the end of the third quarter, Pakistan fought back vigorously in the fourth quarter. Rana Waheed scored in the 46th minute, Abdul Rehman added a field goal in the 52nd minute, and Hannan Shahid scored from a penalty corner in the 56th minute. However, Charlet’s final penalty corner goal in the dying moments secured a win for France.
Prior to their encounter with France, Pakistan had recorded a win and a draw in the tournament. After a draw against Malaysia, they achieved a resounding 8-1 victory over Canada.