Pakistan rally to hold Wales 3-3 in Hockey World Cup

ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): Pakistan staged a spirited comeback in the final quarter to hold Wales to a thrilling 3-3 draw in their second Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands on Monday.

Pakistan made an impressive start to the contest, with Abdul Rehman giving his side an early lead through a field goal in the third minute.

Wales responded strongly in the second quarter as Gareth Furlong levelled the score in the 25th minute before Rhys Bradshaw put Wales ahead just 31 seconds later.

Pakistan entered the final quarter trailing 2-1 but produced an excellent fightback. Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute to restore parity, while Hannan Shahid scored a superb field goal in the 51st minute to put Pakistan 3-2 ahead.

Wales, however, fought back once again, with Furlong scoring his second goal of the match in the 53rd minute to make it 3-3.

The Green Shirts continued to press for the winning goal in the closing stages, creating attacking opportunities, but Wales managed to hold firm as the match ended in a thrilling draw.

Despite the result, Pakistan produced an impressive and attacking display, particularly in the final quarter, when the team scored two quick goals to complete a remarkable comeback after falling 2-1 behind.

The draw gave Pakistan its first point of the tournament following its opening-match defeat against England, while Wales also secured its first point.

Pakistan will now face traditional rivals India in their final Pool D match on Wednesday, in a crucial encounter of the World Cup.

The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup is being co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.