Kuala Lumpur: A tactically superior Australia clinched the prestigious Azlan Shah Cup hockey title overcoming defending champions Pakistan 4-3 in the final at the National Stadium today (Jan 18, 2004).

Keeping their composure and sticking to their game-plan, Australia sewed up the game as Travis Brooks (21st, 29th), Michael Boyce (45th) and Troy Elder (57th) scored at crucial moments.

Pakistan, kept on a leash by some close marking by the Aussies, had their moments when Kashif Jawaad (30th) and Sohail Abbas (44th, 65th) found the net, but eventually, yielded to a better organised, more balanced and fitter team.

Pakistan promised much early in the game when their speedy forwards repeatedly troubled the Aussie defence. However, their inability to sustain the momentum cost the Asian team dearly in the end.

Flowing moves from the wings had the Aussies defence on the hop as Rehan Butt and Shabbir Hussain came close to scoring, which pushed the opposition on the backfoot.

However, a needless stoppage broke the Pakistani concentration, leading to an Australian resurgence.