Scott Cosslett’s double strike inspired New Zealand to a commanding 6-2 win over Pakistan in the final of the FIH Nations Cup 2024, played at the National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday. The emphatic win not only handed the Black Sticks the trophy but also secured their promotion to the elite FIH Pro League. 

New Zealand began the match on the front foot and had two early goals disallowed within the opening minutes. Their persistence paid off in the sixth minute when Scott Cosslett successfully converted a penalty corner, giving the visitors a deserved lead. 

The Black Sticks doubled their advantage in the dying seconds of the first quarter through Sam Hiha, who slotted in a precise field goal, making it 2-0. The momentum continued into the second quarter as Dylan Thomas extended the lead with a goal inside two minutes, followed almost instantly by a brilliant field goal from Sean Findlay. 

By the 26th minute, New Zealand were in complete control. Scott Boyde’s finish made it 5-0, effectively silencing the home crowd and putting the match beyond Pakistan’s reach by halftime. 

Pakistan showed some fight in the third quarter. Zikriya Hayat opened their account in the 35th minute with a strong strike past the New Zealand defense. Despite earning five penalty corners in the quarter, the Green Shirts failed to capitalise, with New Zealand’s backline holding firm. 

The final quarter saw both sides push hard, but it was New Zealand who struck again, earning a penalty corner that Cosslett converted with clinical precision, his second goal of the night and sixth for the team. Pakistan responded with a late goal from Sufyan Khan, who finally converted a penalty corner to reduce the deficit to 6-2, but it was too little, too late.  

Despite the heavy defeat, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) praised the team's resilience and heart in a statement shared on social media. "Pakistan fought bravely in the final of the Nations Cup, but New Zealand came out on top with a 6-2 win. Despite the scoreline, Pakistan showed heart, hustle, and moments of brilliance... Heads held high, this is just the beginning of a comeback story.” 

New Zealand’s triumph secured their spot in the 2024–25 FIH Pro League, while Pakistan's hopes for re-entry into top-tier international hockey remain unfulfilled, though their overall campaign, particularly the semifinal performance, offered glimpses of potential and growing cohesion. 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS  
Player of the Tournament: Nick Woods (New Zealand) 
Young Player of the Tournament: Sufyan Khan (Pakistan) 
Top Goal Scorer: Victor Charlotte (France)