Haseem’s hat-trick helps Pakistan thrash South Africa 6-2

JOHOR BAHRU: Pakistan outplayed South Africa 6-2 to qualify for the semi-finals in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Hockey League played in Malaysia on Tuesday.

Pakistan will now face South Korea in semi-finals on Thursday.

Mohammad Zubair made first breakthrough scoring goal in the 13th minute and just after four minutes Shafqat Rasool double the lead.

South Africa reduced the lead in the 25th minute but two minutes later Abdul Haseem Khan deflected the ball into net and Pakistan were leading 3-1 when the first half ended.

Six minutes after the second half began Haseem Khan made his second goal to strengthen Pakistan lead to 4-1.

In the 60th minute, Haseem completed his hat-trick and three minutes later Zubair scored his second goal to take Pakistan to a formidable position at 6-1.

However South Africa reduced the margin to 6-2 two minutes before the end of the match.