New Zealand clinched the FIH Nations Cup title after a dominant 6-2 victory over Pakistan in the final held at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, shattering Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League.
The match began with high intensity, and New Zealand quickly asserted their control, scoring two goals in the first quarter and adding three more in the second quarter, leaving Pakistan trailing 5-0 by halftime. The sixth and final goal for New Zealand came late in the fourth quarter, capping off a clinical performance.
Despite a spirited fightback in the second half, Pakistan managed only two goals, with Zakaria Hayat scoring in the third quarter and Sufyan Khan adding another in the fourth. Their efforts, however, were not enough to turn the tide of the match.
The Nations Cup Player of the Year award went to New Zealand's Nick Woods. The tournament's Young Player of the Year award was conferred on Sufyan Khan and the Top Goal Scorer award went to France's Victor Charlotte.
Pakistan’s road to final
Pakistan had reached the final after a thrilling semi-final win over France. The Green Shirts edged past their European opponents 3-2 on penalties after a 3-3 deadlock in regulation time.
Also Read: Pakistan edge France in thrilling shootout to reach FIH Nations Cup Final
In that match, goalkeeper Muneeb Ur Rehman was the hero, saving three penalty attempts, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz converted their chances to secure victory. During regular play, Afraz, Sufyan Khan, and Muhammad Hammadudin were the goal-scorers for Pakistan.
New Zealand, who had earlier defeated Pakistan in the group stage, advanced to the final after a strong win over South Korea in the other semi-final.
Pakistan’s dream of returning to the FIH Hockey Pro League remains unfulfilled, but the team’s performance — particularly in the semi-final — showed flashes of potential and resilience.
