Sunday, May 15, 2011

Australia regains Azlan Shah Cup

Australian team poses for a group picture with the trophy after winning the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh on Sunday.

The teams were deadlocked 2-2 at the end of the regulation time. The Aussies had last won the trophy in 2007. 


The Pakistani fight-back was led by the indefatigable Shakeel Abbasi who tormented the rival defenders with his delightful sallies. Rizwan and Zubair contributed their share and were supported well in the mid-field by Waseem Ahmed.


Minutes after the break, Australia surged ahead from a brilliant move initiated Liem de Young which Glenn Turner completed with a fluent shot from the top of the circle. Even as Australia was mounting pressure, came the equaliser for Pakistan from Rehan Butt, who hooked on to an astute forward pass by Abbasi.