LAHORE-Mayira Sabir struck fantastic five to help Pakistan crush Cambodia 11-0 in the second match of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Cup in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.
Pakistan women team fully dominated the match. After wasting a couple of good chances, they opened their account in the 8th minute through the first penalty corner which was skillfully converted by Ishrat Abbas. Soon after this, the lead doubled by Afshan Naureen.
The well combined raids continued and ball remained in the Cambodian half. It was in the 18th minute when Hina Pervaiz sailed a beautiful hit from the top of the circle. In a wonderful run, she side stepped a couple of opponents before flicking in to make it 3-0.
For next 5 minutes, it was mainly a mid-field affair. Pakistani girls rejuvenated and laid siege to the opponents' goal during the last 10 minutes of the first half. Despite missing numerous chances, they managed to add three more to the score sheet. A right side raid was capped well by skipper Hina Kanwal. Then another sweeping move saw Mayira Sabir netting her first and team's fifth goal of the day. Like the first, the last goal of the half was also an Ishrat Abbas penalty corner conversion. Pakistan was leading by a tennis scoring margin 6-0 at half-time. The saga of the second session was not different from that had in the first-half as Pakistan time and again shattered the rival defence.
A couple of penalty corners weren't availed in the beginning. However, in the 44th minute, Mayira Sabir scored off a rebound after a Hina Pervaiz effort had been parried by the net minder.
Mayira completed her hat-trick in the 52nd minute applying the finishing touch on a move which had goal written all over it to make it 8-0. Her fourth goal arrived immediately, this time via a top of the circle back hander. Kalsoom Shahzadi entered Pakistan's score into the double figures. Dying minutes saw a flurry of penalty corners coming Pakistan's way, the last of which was put in after an in direct drill, by who else but Mayira Saber, her fifth goal of the day.
With a win and a draw, Pakistan now has four points and in contention for a semi-final spot. Pakistan will face strong Singapore side in their last pool match on Thursday.