Sports Bulletin Report
Birmingham (UK):-New Zealand’s men got the day’s play underway with a comfortable showing against Pakistan, while Australia got their games title defence started with a massive victory over Scotland. The afternoon session started with a cracker between England and Wales men in which the hosts claimed a valuable three points, while India put 11 past Ghana. The evening began with a narrow England women’s win over Canada, with the day ended by a dominant Australia showing against South Africa.
New Zealand 4 Pakistan 1 (Pool A men)
New Zealand’s men opened the day’s play with a consummate performance against Pakistan, claiming their first 3 points after a remarkable opening day draw with Scotland.
The first quarter saw a barrage of Black Sticks pressure, with misses from Sam Lane and Brad Read alongside a Nic Woods blocked effort and a Hugo Inglis shot saved by Pakistan keeper Akmal Hussain. Despite the one-way traffic Pakistan stood firm and the first quarter ended goalless.
However, the pressure on the Pakistan goal did eventually reap reward for New Zealand, as dangerous midfielder Inglis fired home just a minute into the second period. Inglis doubled his tally - and his sides lead - just a minute later as New Zealand looked to turn the screw. However, the quick-fire double appeared to wake up Pakistan, who dragged themselves back into the tie following a Ghazanfar Ali strike in the 26th minute. Both sides had chances to score again in the quarter, but the game remained at 2-1 heading into half-time.
Gold Coast silver medallists New Zealand came back out after the break looking to put the game to bed as they searched for maximum points. However, chances from the likes of Inglis, Jake Smith and Kane Russell came and went to no avail. Pakistan began to create chances for themselves through Ahmad Nadeem, Rizwan Ali and Afraz as the game became more open, with both sides feeling like they could take something from the clash. Then came a turning point, as New Zealand forward Dylan Thomas extended his sides lead to 3-1 just 2 minutes from the whistle.
Pakistan weren't helped by an early Rizwan Ali green card in the final period, as New Zealand looked to improve their goal difference. Inglis, Sean Findlay and Thomas all had early opportunities but the Pakistan defence held up. A quieter final period ensued, however there was time for Sam Lane to add a 4th New Zealand goal in the final minute and wrap up a 4-1 victory.
Blair Tarrant (NZL)said: “It was a bit wet this morning but we're used to these conditions back home. I think we put in a really good effort defensively and then avoided the constant pressure, but they snuck a few under."
Results (Men's Competition):
New Zealand 4 Pakistan 1 (Pool A men)
Umpires: Daniel Barstow (GBR) Tyler Klenk (CAN) Sean Rapaport (RSA-video)
Australia 12 vs Scotland 0 (Pool A men)
Umpires: Deepak Chandra Joshi (IND) Bruce Bale (ENG) Nick Bennett (ENG-video)
England 4 Wales 2 (Pool B men)
Umpires: Stephen Rogers (AUS) Sean Rapaport (RSA) David Tomlinson (NZL-video)
India 11 Ghana 0 (Pool B men)
Umpires: Fraser Bell (SCO) Tim Bond (NZL) Peter Obalo Kabaso (KEN-video)
Results (Women’s Competition):
Canada 0 England 1 (Pool A women)
Umpires: Cookie Tan (SGP) Aleisha Neumann (AUS) Wanri Venter (RSA-video)
South Africa 0 Australia 5 (Pool B women)
Umpires: Rachel Williams (ENG) Amber Church (NZL) Hannah Harrison (ENG)
