Pakistan captain Ammad Butt (right) celebrates with teammates during their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match against Austria at the SCA Hockey Stadium in Ismailia on March 4, 2026. — FIH
ISMAILIA: Abu Mahmood struck twice to lead Pakistan to a resounding 4-2 victory over Austria in their last group-stage fixture of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers here at the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
The Green Shirts made a rampant start to the fixture as Afraz netted a sensational field goal in the fourth minute to give them an early lead.
The scoreboard remained intact at 1-0 in Pakistan’s favour until the 44th minute, which saw Mahmood successfully convert a penalty corner to double the lead.
Maximilian Kelner eventually opened the scoring for Austria two minutes into the final quarter through a penalty corner, only for Sufyan Khan to reinstate Pakistan’s two-goal advantage just four minutes later.
Mahmood netted his second goal the following minute to strengthen Pakistan’s command with a three-goal advantage.
Although Maximilian Scholz managed to pull one back in the 53rd minute, Pakistan clinched a dominant 4-2 victory as they could not register the equaliser.
The 4-2 victory meant the Green Shirts concluded the group stage unbeaten as they beat China and Malaysia in their opening two fixtures, respectively.
Notably, Pakistan had already qualified for the semi-finals following their victory over Malaysia; however, their opponent for the knockout fixture will be determined after the conclusion of the Group A matches on Thursday.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s victory in the semi-final would see them qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup after an eight-year absence.