Four-time champions Pakistan played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Malaysia in a Pool D match as both the teams remained in the hunt for a knock-out round berth in the men's hockey World Cup here on Wednesday. After failing to break the deadlock for a long time, Pakistan drew the first blood in the 51st minute through Muhammad Atiq's field strike before Malaysia restored parity four minutes later when Faizal Saari converted a penalty corner to stay afloat in the competition.

The draw meant both Pakistan and Malaysia remained in the fray for the knock-out rounds, having garnered a point each from two outings. Germany are leading the pool with six points ahead of Netherlands and Pakistan. Malaysia are placed last because of an inferior goal difference. Pakistan had earlier lost by a solitary goal to Germany, while Malaysia were thrashed 0-7 by the Netherlands. Pakistan will round off their pool engagements against Netherlands on December 9 while Malaysia, with a goal difference of minus 7, have an uphill task against the Germans the same day.