Pakistan’s long-awaited FIH Pro League debut began with promise but ended in a 5–2 defeat to defending champions Netherlands in Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
Playing their first-ever match in world hockey’s elite league, Pakistan delivered moments of flair and resilience but were ultimately undone by the Dutch mastery on penalty corners and second-half control.
Pakistan shocked the world champions early with a brilliant solo effort from youngster Hannan Shahid. Cutting in from the left with confidence and pace, Hannan sliced through two Dutch defenders before drilling a fierce shot past goalkeeper Mauritz Visser — a stunning way to mark Pakistan’s arrival in the competition.
The Netherlands, however, responded with the calm expected of a title-winning unit. A precise tackle from captain Thierry Brinkman triggered their first sustained attack, culminating in Koen Bijen slotting home the equaliser before the first-quarter buzzer. Moments later, a well-executed penalty corner allowed Timo Boers to put the Dutch ahead 2–1, signalling the set-piece strength that would define the match.
Pakistan refused to relent. Early in the second quarter, drag-flicker Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner to restore parity at 2–2, giving Pakistan genuine belief heading into half-time.
The third quarter, though, proved the turning point. The Netherlands tightened their structure and capitalised clinically on Pakistan’s defensive lapses. Tijmen Reyenga restored the lead with a powerful penalty-corner strike before Boers added his second of the match, again from a set play. Moments later, Duco Telgenkamp pounced on a loose ball near the baseline to extend the lead to 5–2, completing a dominant Dutch spell.
Reyenga’s all-round display — influential in defence and lethal on penalty corners — earned him the Player of the Match award. The Netherlands then closed out the final quarter with controlled possession, preventing Pakistan from mounting a late push.
Despite the loss, Pakistan’s courage, pace on the wings, and flashes of attacking brilliance offered encouraging signs in their Pro League debut. The team now faces a demanding schedule ahead, with matches against hosts Argentina on December 12, a rematch with the Netherlands on December 13, and another clash against Argentina on December 15 as they continue their first journey in the competition.