Rooman stuns Scotland as Pakistan secure first win in CWG Hockey

BIRMINGHAM: The national hockey team achieved its first win on the Commonwealth Games trip by defeating Scotland 3-2 in the Pool A match of the men’s hockey event, creating a glimmer of hope for qualifying for the semi-finals.

Rooman scored the ball just six minutes before the final whistle to lead the Greenshirts to victory, before Afraz Hussain and Abdul Shahid each contributed a goal.

Scotland dominated the first quarter of the match scoring their first penalty in the 10th minute. Robert Field reacted quickly to play the ball across the box after Jamie Golden had saved the shot, and Cammy Golden volleyed the ball into the nets to score the first goal.

The well-coordinated defense of the Scots effectively neutralized Pakistan’s heavy response for the rest of the quarter.

However, in the second quarter, Pakistan attacked with more vigor and leveled the lead in the 22nd minute when Afraz outplayed Tommy Alexander with an unstoppable shot into the corner and the keeper was unable to stop it.

Within a minute, Shahid scored the ball to make it 2-1 and put his team ahead at half-time.

Struan Walker scored the equalizer in the 38th minute after both teams exchanged a flurry of attacking and defensive moves in the exciting second half.

Scotland began the fourth quarter with new enthusiasm and displayed fabulous attacking skills, however Pakistan blocked their efforts to keep the score 2-2.

However, Rooman retaliated in the 55th minute when he received a pass to the D and his shot went off the crossbar and over the goal line to make it 3-2.

With the victory, Pakistan now sits fourth with four points in Group A with South Africa in second and New Zealand in third with the same number of points.

Pakistan will now face group leaders Australia in their final game on August 4.

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