Saim, Chengiz, Akbar Aurangzeb, Saad Mirza, Mohammad Ali, Hashim display a sparking game
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-Hosts Islamabad Club Junior Polo player overcame tourist Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, United Arabs Emirates (UAE) 6-5 in the second exhibition contest of a 2-match tie here at Islamabad Club Polo Ground on Sunday, as the first match ended a 4-4 draw on Saturday at the same venue.
Pakistani players, who were in white shirts, started the game with a bang by scoring the first goal very quickly when Abdullah hit the ball in the goalpost on a pass from Saim Abbas. However, the local guys could not maintain their lead for a long time, as the very next minute when Charlie Matthews scored the goal for UAE. Both teams missed a couple of occasions to get the lead in the first chukker that finished 1-1 square.
In the second chukker, Saim Abbas, Saad Mirza, and Chengaz Lagahri were dominating, as joint efforts were made by the Pakistani horsemen. Saad Mirza gave his side 2-1 lead by scoring a tremendous goal. Saim Abbas doubled by making the third goal in the second chukker. Pakistan were ahead 3-1 after the completion of the first half of the match.
Hosts players maintained the same pace in the penultimate chukker of the international junior fixture, as they added two more goals to their total. Saim Abbas and Saad Mirza displayed excellent skills of the game of polo and hit the ball right on target and scored 4th and 5th goals respectively. Islamabad Club players were 5-1 ahead after 3rd chukker.
The last and final chukker was a thrilling contest, as both teams fought bravely. Although Dubai Club wasted a free penalty back-to-back twice. Later, they succeeded in reducing the deficit by scoring two goals in quick succession. Ayden Al Ahmed, and Charlie Matthews scored two goals each for their team. Hashim Waheed did well in the last chukker with his mallet. Pakistan finished the match at 6-5 to secure the series 1-0.
At the closing ceremony, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salim Al-Zaabi was chief guest and he distributed the prizes among the players. Additionally, Islamabad Club Administrator Dr Touqeer Shah, Col Gill, Sohail Shigri, Hashim Asad, Haider Asad, diplomats from various countries, dignitaries, and polo enthusiasts gathered in large numbers to witness and enjoy the enthralling encounter.
The Dubai team comprised Hassan Al Abbar, Ayden Al Ahmed, Charlie Matthews, and Harmes Werle, with Lisa Mathews as the team manager and Jan Azam as the team coach. The Islamabad Club Polo Team consisted of Chengiz Khan Leghari, Akbar Aurangzeb, Saad Mirza, Mohammad Ali Malik, Hashim Waheed, and Saim Abbas.
