New Zealand grabbed their first win in their third game at the men's Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia tonight.
After draws against the hosts and Canada, the eighth-ranked Black Sticks, defending their title from last year, needed maximum points against Pakistan and a three-goal burst in four minutes late in the third quarter proved decisive in the 5-3 win.
Pakistan led early through Muhammad Arslan; Stephen Jenness equalised before captain Simon Child put New Zealand in front with a fine solo goal.
Muhammad Irfan scored Pakistan's second after a penalty corner shot ricocheted across the New Zealand goal to the unmarked Irfan.
However Nic Woods (twice) and Kane Russell scored from successive penalty corners to decide the match, before Arslan got his second for Pakistan.
