IPOH: Pakistan are in the driver's seat for a berth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final after extending their unbeaten run with a 5-4 win over plucky Canada yesterday.
The Green Shirts were expected to cruise past the Canadians but were given a rude shock after the world No. 19 raced ahead with goals from Sean Davis (10th minute) and Sidhu Harbir (17th) at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
Stunned by the goals, Pakistan staged their fightback with goals from Abu Mahmood (28th and 29th), Arshad Liaqat (36th), Waheed Ashraf Rana (44th) and Ghazanfar Ali (45th).
However, the Canadians showed that they have plenty of fight in them as Avjot Buttar reduced the deficit (50th) to pressure the Green Shirts and launch power play in the dying minutes to snatch a draw.
But Pakistan managed to hold onto their narrow lead and claim the win to collect 10 points after four matches. They will wrap up their group stage against Paris Olympic-bound New Zealand tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Canada will wrap up their campaign against Japan.