By Shahid Khan
Pakistan completed group-stage fixture with their third victory after a resounding 4-2 victory over Austria at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt.
Just as their newly appointed coach, Khawaja Junaid has hoped, Green shirts made a rampant start with Afraz netting a sensational field goal in the fourth minute to give them an early lead.
Pakistan were unable to extend their lead until the 44th minute when Abu Mahmood successfully converted a penalty corner at their 8th attempt with the assistance of a deflection from the on running defender.
Kelner eventually opened the scoring for Austria two minutes into the final quarter through a well worked penalty corner, only for Sufyan Khan to reinstate Pakistan's two-goal advantage just four minutes later.
Abu Mahmood netted his second goal the following minute to strengthen Pakistan's command with a three-goal advantage also becoming the leading goal scorer along with Sufyan Khan in the tournament.
Although Maximilian Scholz managed to pull one back after a video referral and the resultant penalty stroke in the 53rd minute, Pakistan clinched a dominant 4-2 victory.
The victory saw Greenshirts heading their pool after earlier victories against China (5-4) and runners up in their group Malaysia (5-3).
In the semi-finals Pakistan will play Japan, while England will take on Malaysia on Friday.
Record four times World Cup holders, Pakistan will qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup if they reach the final.
Fieldhockey Exclusive
Shahid Khan is senior hockey journalist who has covered all major hockey tournaments since 1999 for media outlets including BBC Asian Network, Reuters TV and Eastern Eye.