Hockey: Black Sticks come back to beat Pakistan

Andy Hayward opened the scoring for New Zealand. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand men's hockey team mounted a spirited comeback to overcome Pakistan 4-2 at the International Challenge in Tasmania last night.

After a frenetic opening quarter led to a two goal deficit, the Kiwis flipped the contest around and scored four unanswered goals to secure the result.

With snow on neighbouring Mount Wellington in Hobart, the game was a chilly affair as the temperature dropped to around six degrees.

The win was retribution a long time in the making for the Black Sticks, having last played Pakistan more than two years ago at the 2013 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where they were beaten 4-3.

Head coach Colin Batch said it was pleasing to respond so strongly after going down by two goals.

"I thought we played ok in the first quarter, although we did come up with a few errors in defence and that saw them take the lead," Batch said.

"The pleasing thing was we maintained our belief and knew we could be successful and eventually the goals came.

"The second half was good for us, especially the third quarter, and I thought Jared [Panchia] put together the best game he's played for the Black Sticks which really helped us up front.

"We need to do some fine tuning but are looking forward to having another crack at Australia to see how much we have developed since or first game against them."

Pakistan were off to a fast start and grabbed the lead after just two minutes with a field goal from Muhammad Umar Bhutta. Ten minutes later they doubled their advantage with Shafqat Rasool putting his side's second shot into goal.

Midway through the second quarter the Black Sticks pulled one back after Andy Hayward made the most of a penalty stroke which was awarded from a penalty corner deflection.

Skilful striker Jared Panchia then equalised with a terrific field goal 30 seconds out from halftime to ensure the second half would start on level terms.

New Zealand then found the lead for the first time in the 39th minute when veteran Phil Burrows found the goal from a well-worked penalty corner variation.

Marcus Child put the result beyond doubt with just over 10 minutes remaining after scoring his side's fourth goal.

The Black Sticks have a day off the turf on Friday before a rematch against Australia at 8pm on Saturday night (NZ time).