BUKIT JALIL: New Zealand have booked their spot in the FIH Pro League once again after thrashing Pakistan 6-2 in the final of the Nations Cup at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday (June 21).

New Zealand, who won last year’s edition in Poland, were eager to take the lead and got their wish when Scott Cosslett converted a penalty corner six minutes into the match.

Then the defending champions hit Pakistan in quick succession, with three goals coming in four minutes thanks to Sam Hiha (15th minute), Dylan Thomas (17th), and Sean Findlay (18th), followed by their fifth goal in the 27th minute from Scott Boyde.

Trailing far behind, Pakistan tried their best to mount a comeback, and reduced the margin after Zikriya Hayat scored a field goal in the 36th minute.

In the final minutes, Cosslett scored his fifth goal of the tournament to make it six for New Zealand, and Sufyan Khan scored Pakistan’s second goal with a minute left on the clock.

It was a better result for Pakistan this year after they finished in fourth place last year.