Amstelveen (Holland), Aug 16: Two late goals helped Australia force a 4-4 draw against Pakistan in the opening match of the 25th Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament at the Wagener stadium here today. In a fast paced match, Pakistan just about managed to keep their nose in front with goals by Mudassar Ali (6th minute), Sohail Abbas (11th, 30th) and Salim Khalid (67th) while the Aussies struck through Grant Schubert (14th, 70th), Troy Elder (32nd) and Dean Butler (68th). At one stage, Pakistan looked set to run away when they jumped to a 2-0 lead as the Aussies appeared unsettled and unable to dictate terms. However, after Schubert put the world cup runners-up back in the game with a 14th minute strike, the proceedings evened out, marked by flowing moves. Pakistan could not have asked for a better start when Shabbir Hussain snatched the ball from a slow-moving Matthew Wells and relayed to Ali who found the net.

Soon after, Pakistan earned their first penalty corner and Abbas scored with his patented drag-flick.
The Aussies, however, came back strongly when Schubert capped a combined move with Adam comments who gained possession on the right with Pakistan defence lapsing in concentration.

Soon, Abbas was back in thick of things converting the third penalty corner after an abortive attempt with the previous award, to give Pakistan a comfortable 3-1 lead.