IPOH: Defending champion Malaysia allowed Pakistan to come from behind and snatch a 5-4 victory in their opening Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium, here on Saturday (May 4).

Malaysia, leading 3-1 until the fourth quarter through a hattrick by Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 13th, 28th and 45th minutes allowed Paksitan to stage a late fightback in dramatic style towards the final moments of the match, with the lead changing hands like a lightning strike.