Thumping up a 3-2 victory in a tight match against Malaysia, Pakistan earned three points on the penultimate day of the Azlan Shah cup, thereby ensuring entry into tomorrow’s final.

Australia had already qualified for the final, and further confirmed it with a fluent 4-2 win over neighbours New Zealand today in the last pool match of the ongoing 7-Nation cup,

Australia-New Zealand match evoked keen interest from Indian standpoint. Had New Zealand lost by three clear goals, India would have pipped it for fourth slot in the ranking, thereby getting to engage GB for the bronze.

However, New Zealand’s Marcus Child converted team’s penalty corner, bringing the score to 4-2 just two minutes remained from the hooter. That goal ended the Indian hope of finishing the tournament with a medal. India had a rest day today, will play Korea tomorrow in the first match

Earlier in the match, Australia built up a 3- lead within first quarter, and then almost kept attacking without moving the scoreboard.

In the second match of the day, GB went down to Korea 3-1 when the Asian team almost ran them out in the entire 70 minutes.

This has opened a chance for Pakistan to grab the final slot which they did.