Hockey: NZ score early, but Pakistan pounce on errors

Unforced errors by New Zealand gifted Pakistan two match-winning goals in the six-nations men's invitational tournament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The New Zealanders grabbed the lead after a field goal by forward Ken Robinson in the 11th minute, but Pakistan's Sohail Abas scored the equaliser in the 35th minute.

Goals to Kashif Jawad in the 49th minute and Saleem Khalid in the 55th took the score to 3-1.

Superb reflexes by New Zealand goalkeeper Michael Bevin denied Pakistan a bigger margin.

Despite unforced errors and missed scoring opportunities, New Zealand coach Kevin Towns said the match was a good "blooding experience" for the team before next month's World Cup, also in Malaysia.

New Zealand have never beaten Pakistan, and yesterday's match had identified several areas to work on, he said.

New Zealand's final round-robin match is against Japan today. The playoffs start tomorrow.

Pakistan top the table with a maximum 12 points from four matches. Australia are second with eight points, and Malaysia third with five points.

The team return to New Zealand on Monday, but will be back in Kuala Lumpur on February 13 to prepare for the World Cup.

- NZPA