Sohail Abbas Sinks India, Breaks Another World Record

Sohail Abbas scripted yet another record and guided Pakistan to a 2-1 win over arch-rivals India in their crucial league match in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Wednesday.

The ace drag-flicker, coming to the match just one goal short of erasing Australian Mark Hager’s Champions Trophy record of 32 goals, slammed home from a penalty stroke in the 67th minute as Pakistan won the thrilling encounter at the National Stadium. The margin of defeat may appear thin but Pakistan was obviously a much better side in the contest and could have won by a much bigger score had they converted even half of the chances that came their way.

Saqlain Muhammed’s 32nd minute strike was neutralised by India through Sandeep Singh in the 58th minute, but Abbas put the finishing touch to the match by scoring at a time when it looked like the game was heading for a draw. It was the star player’s fifth goal in the tournament…