Pakistan beat South Korea to seal hockey series
ISLAMABAD: Maintaining their unbeaten run, Pakistan downed South Korea 4-3 in a thrilling third Test to win their four-match series here at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Taking an aggressive start, South Korea took lead in the
Pakistan extended their unbeaten run against South Korea by edging the visitors 4-3 in a thrilling third Test at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad on Tuesday, sealing the four-match hockey series with one game still to go.
The result, reported by Dawn Sport, came after a see-saw contest in which both sides traded blows across the match. South Korea made the stronger start and went ahead in the 10th minute when Kim Hyeongjin converted a penalty corner. Pakistan struggled to break through before the interval, leaving the visitors with a 1-0 lead at the end of the second quarter.
Pakistan fight back after the break
Pakistan returned with more urgency after halftime and drew level in the 32nd minute through Hayat Zakria, who finished from open play. The response, however, was immediate. South Korea restored their lead almost straight away when Jang Ji Hun converted another penalty corner in the 33rd minute.
Pakistan refused to let the match slip away. Rana Waheed Ashraf made it 2-2 in the 45th minute with a field goal, keeping the home side firmly in the contest. South Korea again moved ahead when Kim Yong scored in the 50th minute to make it 3-2 and briefly swing momentum back toward the visitors.
Late goals deliver the series win
The final phase belonged to Pakistan. Abdul Reham levelled the score in the 55th minute before Shahid Hanan struck two minutes later to complete the comeback and put Pakistan 4-3 ahead. That late surge proved decisive, giving Pakistan both the victory in the third Test and the series itself.
The four-match series is scheduled to continue with the fourth game on Friday at the same venue, but the overall outcome has already been settled in Pakistan's favour.
Pakistan hockey series win will be welcomed by supporters looking for signs of consistency from the national side. The team has now managed to hold its nerve in a closely fought international contest against a well-matched South Korean side, with goals arriving from several different players rather than one lone match-winner.
For Pakistan, the result adds another positive note to the campaign at home. For South Korea, the match showed resilience in attack but also the difficulty of protecting leads against an opponent that kept finding answers at key moments.
The scoreline reflected a contest that stayed alive until the closing minutes, with neither side able to pull away for long. Pakistan ultimately showed the stronger finish, and that late composure made the difference in a series-clinching performance.
FAQ
Q: Where was the third Test played?
A: It was played at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.
Q: What was the final score?
A: Pakistan beat South Korea 4-3.
Q: Has Pakistan won the series?
A: Yes. The third Test win sealed the four-match series for Pakistan.
Q: Is there another match left?
A: Yes. The fourth match is scheduled for Friday at the same venue.
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