New Zealand Beat Pakistan 4-2 in Hockey World Cup Classification Match

Netherlands: (Sports Desk) – New Zealand defeated Pakistan 4-2 in a classification match of the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands on Monday, denying the national side a second consecutive victory in the tournament.

New Zealand made a strong start and controlled much of the first half, producing an impressive attacking performance to establish a commanding 3-0 lead before the interval.

Pakistan responded strongly after the break and mounted a spirited comeback in the third quarter. The national team scored twice to cut the deficit and bring the contest back to life.

Sufyan Khan and Afraz found the net for Pakistan, but the Green Shirts could not find a third goal to level the match. New Zealand remained composed in the closing stages and secured a 4-2 victory.

Pakistan will now turn its attention to the next classification fixture against South Africa on August 28.

Despite the defeat, Pakistan had already ended a 16-year wait for a Hockey World Cup victory during the 2026 tournament. The national side defeated Japan 4-3 to finally return to the winners’ column.

Pakistan’s previous World Cup victory had come in 2010, when the team edged Spain 2-1. The national side then went 16 years without winning another World Cup match before overcoming Japan in the Netherlands.