LAHORE: Pakistan stunned Indonesia with a 13-11 win in the opening match of Asian N5 Division Rugby tournament in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The visitors faced stiff resistance from the hosts, backed by a vociferous crowd, as the scored was level at 3-3 on half-time.
The first-match win was enough to send the green-shirts through to the final of the event.
Mannan Naseem converted penalty kicks for Pakistan to put Indonesa under pressure and the second half saw a much improved performance from the visitors.
Pakistan’s attacks became stronger as they took control of the match with constant penetration. Skipper Sahir Aslam and vice-captain Mansoor led from front and Shakeel Ahmed made impressive runs down the flank.
Fly-half Junaid controlled the game at the back while full-back Mannan showed great composure and excellent kicking to keep Indonesia at bay.
Junaid’s second-half penalty kick pushed Pakistan ahead and Sahir scored for a maul which was successfully converted, putting Pakistan at 13.
Indonesia came back to score a try in the second half but Pakistan held on to claim a place in the final.
In today’s final, Pakistan will take on Iran, who earlier beat a Guam 44-11.
A victory in the final will give Pakistan a promotion in to Division-2 and will boost their Asian ranking. Indonesia will take on Guam in the second match of the day, the loser of which will be relegated to Division-4
The visitors faced stiff resistance from the hosts, backed by a vociferous crowd, as the scored was level at 3-3 on half-time.
The first-match win was enough to send the green-shirts through to the final of the event.
Mannan Naseem converted penalty kicks for Pakistan to put Indonesa under pressure and the second half saw a much improved performance from the visitors.
Pakistan’s attacks became stronger as they took control of the match with constant penetration. Skipper Sahir Aslam and vice-captain Mansoor led from front and Shakeel Ahmed made impressive runs down the flank.
Fly-half Junaid controlled the game at the back while full-back Mannan showed great composure and excellent kicking to keep Indonesia at bay.
Junaid’s second-half penalty kick pushed Pakistan ahead and Sahir scored for a maul which was successfully converted, putting Pakistan at 13.
Indonesia came back to score a try in the second half but Pakistan held on to claim a place in the final.
In today’s final, Pakistan will take on Iran, who earlier beat a Guam 44-11.
A victory in the final will give Pakistan a promotion in to Division-2 and will boost their Asian ranking. Indonesia will take on Guam in the second match of the day, the loser of which will be relegated to Division-4
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