KUALA LUMPUR: The Joker struck a hat-trick to sink New Zealand 4-0 in a pulsating match which Pakistan were in total control and took a step closer to the Junior World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.
Arshad Liaqat, 21, was on target in the 19th, 39th and 54th minutes with field attempts at the National Hockey Stadium while the other scorer for Pakistan was Hannan Shahid who perfected a penalty corner in the 32nd minute.
"We nicknamed him The Joker as he is the livewire of the team and can play in defence, midfield as well as forward.
"He played with the senior team in the Asian Games (beat Malaysia 5-2), SoJC (Sultan of Johor Cup) and now the JWC.
"This is the kind of players we have in the Pakistan team right now, and even though they lack playing matches and training all year round, they have shown great commitment whenever they get a chance," said Pakistan's Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans.
Playing in Group D, Pakistan shocked the Dutch 3-3, where The Joker scored one goal, and will play Belgium to determine the knock-out fate.
"I played my first tournament with the senior team in the recent Asian Games and this is my first JWC and my personal ambition is to win the title. I believe I can score more in the coming matches," said The Joker.
Another Asian side, South Korea, were also in a mean mood when they beat Canada 4-1 for their first win in Group C. The Koreans next play Spain.