It was a tale of two halves and a heartbreak for the Speedy Tigers. Despite a blistering start that saw them go two goals up in the opening quarter, Malaysia’s 2026 Hockey World Cup dreams have hit a massive speed bump following a chaotic 5-3 loss to Pakistan in Group B at Suez Canal Authority Stadium, Ismailia.
Malaysia looked every bit the favorites in the opening exchanges. Muhajir Abdu Rauf broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a clinical field goal that left the Pakistani defense rooted. Just 120 seconds later, the celebrations intensified as Akhimullah Anuar Esook rifled home a penalty corner to make it 2-0.
But you can never count out the “Green Shirts.” Pakistan flipped the script within minutes, scoring twice through Waheed Ashraf Rana and Zikriya Hayat to level the game at 2-2 before the first quarter even ended.
Malaysia showed character to reclaim the lead in the 40th minute via a coolly dispatched Fitri Saari penalty stroke, but the defensive wheels came off in the final stretch.
The final 15 minutes were a defensive nightmare for the national squad. After concede 3 goals by Nadeem Ahmad(45′), Sufyan Khan(PC 49′), and Ammad Muhammad(56′)
The Speedy Tigers were guilty of “switching off” after taking the lead—a recurring ghost haunting Malaysian hockey on the big stage. While the attack was firing, Pakistan’s pace exposed the defensive transition.
Wednesday’s showdown with China isn’t just a game; it’s a final. Anything less than three points and the road to the 2026 World Cup ends prematurely. Coach Sarjit Singh needs to tighten the screws at the back, or the Tigers will be watching the World Cup from their living rooms.
Credit Photo : FIH
