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AMSTELVEEN - Pakistan’s hopes of securing a ninth-place finish at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 suffered a setback on Monday as New Zealand defeated the Green Shirts 4-2 in their classification match at Wagener Stadium. New Zealand made a blistering start, with Dylan Thomas finding the net just 20 seconds into the match. Scott Boyde and George Baker added further goals in the second quarter to give the Kiwis a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.Pakistan responded strongly after the break, with Sufyan Khan reducing the deficit in the 33rd minute before Afraz scored five minutes later to make it 3-2. However, New Zealand regained control when Kane Russell converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute to restore their two-goal advantage. Pakistan pushed for another comeback but could not breach the New Zealand defence in the closing stages.The victory lifted New Zealand to the top of Pool G with nine points and earned them a ninth-place play-off against Ireland on Friday.Pakistan, meanwhile, will face South Africa in the 11th/12th-place match at Wagener Stadium on Friday.