Pakistani forwards came up with a listless display as their side settled for a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament at Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
The hosts, in fact, raised visions of a victory when Kuhan Shanmuganathan put them ahead with a 43rd minute penalty corner conversion, but the Pakistanis replied in like manner through Sohail Abbas in the 48th minute.
Abbas had a wonderful chance to net the match-winner in the last minute, but his attempt from the third penalty corner was well saved by the goalkeeper.
The draw virtually confirmed Pakistan's entry into the final with a tally of 13 points from five games, while the Malaysians inched up to three.
The usually razor-sharp Pakistani forwards found wanting inside the circle and the fact that they had just two tries from open play, both by Kashif Jawaad in the second-half, speaks for itself.
The Malaysians, on their part, displayed considerable enthusiasm and purpose that, like their counterparts, did not reflect in the striking circle.
Consequently, the ball swung from one end to the other with monotonous regularity. The moves were pretty to watch but not the action in front of the goalmouth.