By Shahid Khan 
Pakistan registered a dominant 5-3 victory over Malaysia to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt.
The crucial game in pool B, saw Malaysia taking the lead three times but Greenshirts fought back gallantly on each occasion.
Malaysia took in early lead through Abdu Rauf, only for Pakistan to net the equaliser the following minute through Rana Waheed.
Malaysia reclaimed the lead heading into the second quarter as Akhimullah Anuar successfully converted a penalty corner in the 14th minute.
Pakistan took a minute into the second quarter to negate Malaysia's lead again, thanks to Zikriya Hayat's field goal, and the scoreboard remained intact at 2-2 at halftime.
The penultimate quarter followed the same pattern as Malaysia pulled ahead when Fitri Saari struck in the 40th minute, but their lead lasted just over five minutes as Ahmad Nadeem netted the equaliser in the extra time.
Pakistan brought out their best in the final quarter and were soon rewarded with the lead when their ace penalty corner, Sufyan Khan successfully converted their only penalty corner award of the game.
Despite being reduced to 10 men due to yellow card to Fayyaz Hamza, Captain Ammad Butt was able to double Pakistan's lead to 5-3 in the 56th minute, and their advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
The 5-3 victory over Malaysia marked Pakistan's second in the ongoing FIH Qualifier after their disappointing display in their hard fought 5-4 victory against 24 World ranked China in their opening match.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's opponent for the semi-finals will be determined following the completion of the group stage with their final match against Austria on Wednesday.
Highest ranked team in World ranking at this Qualifying Tournament,England have also secured semi-final place from the other Pool.
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