Wapda, Customs win in NBP Gold Cup Hockey Tournament

By AM Khan

LAHORE, Pakistan (TheSportsNEXT) December 5, 2012: Pakistan Customs caught the star-studded PIA by surprise with a 2-1 victory while Wapda outplayed Sui Southeran Gas Company 4-2 in the NBP Gold Cup Hockey Tournament at the outer ground of the National Hockey Stadium Wednesday.

It was an unexpected win on part of Customs against the national air career boys and the winners struck a brilliant show of skillful hockey and technique. Customs led the first half 1-0 at break after receiving 28th minute field goal from their captain Rizwan Khan.

PIA came in patches but failed to make a productive impression on their opponents who were far ahead in attacks launched by their mid field with the aid of their both right and left flanks.

Customs appeared in total control when Amir Ali scored the 52nd minute field goal for the much disappointment of Airlines.

Airlines gained some relief when Kashif Ali translated the 58th minute short corner with a calculated shot. Wapda and SSGC played a 1-1 draw at half time.

Wapda jolted SSGC with the addition of a goal in the very first minute through Shahbaz Ali as SSGC leveled one minutes before the end of the first after receiving a goal from Zeeshan. Wapda played the second half with splerndid display of artistic hockey hammering three more goals to leave their opponents in deep gloom.

Salman Hussain scored the 40th minute goal as Sohail Abbas contributed a penalty corner goal in the 62ndminute and Mohammad Suleman added 69th minute field goal before Sohail Manzoor supported SSGC with a penalty corner goal.

Today’s matches: Army vs Customs and NBP vs PIA.