Ipoh (Malaysia), May 16 (IANS) Chris Ciriello scored a golden goal in extra-time to see Australia beat Pakistan 3-2 in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey final and claim the trophy for the sixth time.
Asian Games champions Pakistan twice came from behind to equalise. The teams were deadlocked 2-2 at the end of the regulation time.
Ciriello struck the winner in the second half of extra time (83rd minute).
Australia, who last won the trophy in 2007, were fielding a second string team in the tournament with many top players missing from the line-up.
It was Ciriello who slammed the first goal for Australia in the 11th minute before Pakistan's penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas equalised in the 30th minute. The two teams were levelled 1-1 in the first half.
Australia again moved into the lead through Glenn Turner in the 44th minute, but Pakistan's Rehan Butt drew parity in the 62nd minute.
The two teams had their chances but the two goalkeepers made some spectacular saves to take the game into extra time.