Hockey: Pakistan's wizards thrill in Hamilton

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

Wizards of world hockey Pakistan kicked off their final countdown to the Olympics yesterday with a scoring spectacle for Kiwi fans in Hamilton.

The Pakistanis, rated the most exciting hockey team in the world, weaved around the young Academy side, winning 8-1 on the new water turf at Gallaghers Stadium.

Vice-captain Kamran Ashraf, a veteran of more than 130 tests, scored three times, while penalty corner flicking genius Sohail Abbas added two to the total.

Pakistan were, however, complimentary of the opposition, who scored once through Blair Hopping capitalising on a penalty corner melee.

Yesterday's match was a shakedown before tomorrow's first test against the New Zealand men at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.

The two sides will meet four times over the next week. Pakistan are fresh from a four-test series against Australia, with a record of a win, a loss and two draws.

Tomorrow's first test is the start of the New Zealand men's rebuilding programme, working towards qualifying for the next World Cup.

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