'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In one of the most crucial games of Pool D, Pakistan and Malaysia played out a riveting 1-1 draw at the Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday. The shared spoils mean that the Green Shirts are now better placed at entering the Crossovers of the 2018 Hockey World Cup by virtue of their currently superior goal-difference.
Following three quarters of goalless yet absorbing hockey, Pakistan pulled ahead through a 51st minute strike from Muhammad Atiq Arshad. Four minutes later, Malaysia drew level when Faizal Saari scored from a penalty corner.
Here are three standout players from the thrilling draw between Malaysia and Pakistan.
#3 Imran Butt (Pakistan)
After conceding just a solitary goal against the strong German team in their opening encounter, Imran Butt chipped in with another solid effort under the bar. The veteran goalkeeper was called into action as early as the third minute itself. However, his swift reflexes denied Razie Rahim.
Imran continued to block Razie's shots in the first quarter. Aside from thwarting the Malaysian advances, he rallied the Pakistani defenders by providing instructions on a regular basis. His agility, coupled with the team's improved back-line, ensured that the Green Shirts were able to prevent potentially dangerous moments.
The Pakistan goalkeeper's only dent was the penalty corner through which Malaysia equalised. However, truth be told, Imran had no chance against Faizal Saari's perfectly executed drag-flick.
#2 Muhammad Atiq Arshad (Pakistan)
Muhammad Atiq Arshad was touted as one of the most promising young players to watch out for in the tournament. The 21-year-old vindicated his blossoming reputation by stepping up when it mattered the most for Pakistan.
With a wounded Netherlands waiting for them in their final group match, Pakistan could not afford a loss against Malaysia. Muhammad Atiq's stunning field goal in the 51st minute allowed the Green Shirts to leap ahead in the final quarter and even entertain thoughts of securing three points instead of one.
Skipper Muhammad Rizwan set up the goal with a splendid pass in the inner circle. Atiq twisted, turned and fired in the decisive strike. Although his goal was not enough to seal victory for Pakistan, the youngster's intervention reinforced the Green Shirts' subliminal threat with hungry players instead of tried and tested ones.
#1 Faizal Saari (Malaysia)
Alongside his younger brother Fitri, Faizal Saari was imperative to Malaysia's fortunes in this match. The 27-year old's inspired run along the left flank helped them earn a penalty corner in the second quarter. Although they failed to score in the first three quarters, his persistence kept the game flowing.
Faizal survived a scare after he collided dangerously with a Pakistani player. He bounced back with an influential performance in the final quarter. The Terangaanu star helped Malaysia claim a crucial penalty corner. He proceeded to turn the opportunity into a goal with a powerful drag-flick.
For creating the game-changing penalty corner and scoring the equaliser, Faizal Saari was deservedly bestowed with the Player of the Match award.
Head to Sportskeeda to check out the Hockey World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches
