AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan suffered a 4-2 defeat against New Zealand in the 9th to 16th place classification match of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
New Zealand made a strong start and built a three-goal lead in the first half, which ultimately proved enough to secure victory despite a spirited fightback from Pakistan after the interval.
Dylan Thomas opened the scoring for New Zealand just 20 seconds into the match with a field goal.
The Black Sticks doubled their advantage in the 16th minute when Scott Boyde found the net, before George Baker added a third goal in the 22nd minute.
New Zealand went into half-time with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Pakistan responded strongly in the third quarter and quickly reduced the deficit. Sufyan Khan scored in the 33rd minute to make it 3-1, while Afraz added another goal five minutes later to bring Pakistan within one goal at 3-2.
Pakistan continued to push for an equaliser, but New Zealand managed to withstand the pressure.
The Black Sticks restored their two-goal advantage in the 49th minute when Kane Russell converted a penalty corner to make it 4-2.
Pakistan could not find another goal during the remaining minutes, and New Zealand held on to secure the win.
New Zealand finished top of Pool G with nine points and will face Ireland in the ninth-place playoff at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Belgium on Friday.
Pakistan will play their final World Cup match against South Africa in the 11th/12th place classification match at the Wagener Stadium on Friday.
