Samir Suhag hammered in five goals to help India defeat Pakistan 12-9 in the final of the Zonal play-off for the World Cup polo at the Royal Selangor Polo Club, in Malaysia on Saturday. Samir was adjudged the most valuable player for his consistent performance through the tournament that saw him score 23 goals.
Simran Shergill (four), Tarun Sirohi (two) and Vishal Chauhan scored the other goals for India which had bounced back from being 0-4 to turn the tables on Pakistan. Having started with a two-goal handicap advantage, Pakistan was able to stay ahead initially as Temur Nadeem (five) and Ahmed Tiwana (two) scored the goals, but could not catch up any further after being as close as 9-10.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Tun Abdul Najib, presented the trophy. The World Cup polo will be staged in Argentina in October.