GLASGOW: Pakistan clinched an unassailable 3-0 lead in their four-match Test series against Korea on Tuesday, with a thrilling 4-3 victory in the third Test at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium.
The result extends Pakistan’s winning run to three straight matches, following identical 3-1 victories in the opening two Tests. Tuesday’s contest swung back and forth from the first whistle. Korea opened the scoring in the first quarter, but Pakistan hit back almost immediately to level at 1-1.
The visitors regained the lead at 2-1, only for the hosts to draw level again before the break. Korea appeared to have seized control when they went ahead 3-2 in the fourth quarter, but Pakistan refused to fold. A late equaliser made it 3-3, before the hosts struck the decisive blow in the closing minutes to complete a 4-3 win and send the home crowd into raptures. What set Pakistan’s performance apart was the manner of their scoring: all four goals came from open play, underlining sharp teamwork and clinical finishing in the circle. Korea, by contrast, relied on a mix of field goals and penalty corners for their three strikes. Forward Zakaria was named Player of the Match for a commanding display that proved decisive in the result. With the series already won courtesy of scorelines of 3-1, 3-1 and 4-3, Pakistan have underlined their growing dominance over a determined Korean side, showing resilience under pressure, attacking sharpness, and improvement with every outing. Pakistan have now decided to field their under-21 team in the fourth and last Test Thursday.
