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Famous Five Represent Pakistan
Source: Rob Wilkinson
Author: Rob Wilkinson
Five members of the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) were selected to represent Pakistan in the HSBC Asian five Nation Division Two tournament held in Thailand, Bankok.
The players chosen to pull on the South Asian nation’s shirt were Ikram Butt, Junaid Malik, Rehan Mansoor, Amraiz Hamid & Usmaan Malik.
Ikram was presented with the prestigious honour of being named captain of the national team.
The Pakistan team played against Malaysia in their first game and then played India two days later. Both games ended in defeat for Pakistan, however, not without Pakistan fighting all the way.
Pakistan v Malaysia
The game against Malaysia was like a game of two halves. Malaysia came out strong in the first half and got a few tries early on the score board. In the second half Pakistan were the stronger team and managed to get on the score board, however, Pakistan were unable to match the tries Malaysia scored in the first half.
Pakistan v India
A jaded Pakistan team took on the mighty Indians. India was a team looking very fit, strong and had come to Thailand well organised and fully prepared. In their first game India were the better team against Thailand, however, finished the game losing to a very tight score line.
India demonstrated their strength, power & skill against a tired looking Pakistani team. India dominating the game in the forwards and were able to make good yards at will. India finished the game just as they started, very much on top.
Commenting on both defeats, Pakistan’s Captain, Ikram Butt, “It is always disappointing to lose any game, however, we must focus on the positives and continue to move forward in our developments in making Pakistan a driving force in the world of rugby. I am sure once we evaluate the whole situation and fill in the gaps we will be able to fullfill our potential”.
Above photo at the press launch in Islamabad from left to right; Ikram Butt (captain), Fawzi Khwaja(president PRFU) Rambo (international guest coach HKRFU) & Rizwan Malik (head coach PRFU)
Above photo shows the Pakistan RFU team departing Islamabad airport for Bankok, Thailand.
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