Warriors succumb to Sultans

Pakistani imports were on target as Hyderabad Sultans beat Maratha Warriors 2-1 to earn their first points in the Premier Hockey League here tonight.

All goals scored in the match, enjoyed by a large crowd at Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium, came from Pakistani players. While Shakeel Abbasi scored in the 30th and 55th minutes for the Sultans, the Maratha Warriors found the target through Imran Warsi in the 45th minute.

The Pakistani pair of Tariq Aziz and Abbasi were instrumental in breaking the deadlock on the half-hour mark. Aziz’s well-schemed forward pass was accepted by Abbasi, who moved in before dodging goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza to sound the boards.