Pakistan was off the blocks with an authoritative win over Scotland. Striving hard to bury the despair generated after finishing 12th in the last World Cup at the same venue, Pakistan began its journey with a filament of circumspection.
However, the efficiency and enterprise, not to speak of the experience of Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt enabled the team to overcome the resistance in the first half. Muhammad Imran netted the third goal.
In the women's competition, defending champion Australia overwhelmed Trinidad and Tobago. The 11-0 victory over the hapless girls from the West Indies gave Australia ample target practice needed for stiffer confrontations ahead. Emily Hurtz stole the spotlight netting three goals.
That England is determined to have a tilt at the gold was unmistakable in the adeptness and athleticism it displayed against Wales. The 4-1 margin may not be a true reflection of England's dominance, but the passing and the ability to create openings was eye catching.
The results: Men: Pool A: Pakistan 3 (Shakeel Abbasi, Rehan Butt, Imran Mohammad) bt Scotland 0.
Pool B: New Zealand 7 (Andrew Hayward 2, Hugo Iglis, Blair Hilton 2, Hayden Shaw, Nick Haig) bt Trinidad and Tobago 1 (Wayne Legerton); South Africa 4 (Gareth Carr, Justin Ross-Reid 2, Ian Hayley) bt Canada 1 (Sukhwinder Singh).
Women: Pool A: Australia 11 (Cassy Estham, Emily Hurtz 3, Madonna Blyth, Shelley Lidlow, Jessica Nicole, Megan Rivers 2, Jayde Taylor, Ashleigh Nelson) bt Trinidad and Tobago 0; South Africa 2 (Kelly Madsen, Pietee Coetzee) bt Scotland 1 (Alison Bell).
Pool B: England 4 (Crista Cullen 3, Charlotte Craddock) bt Wales 1 (Sarah Thomas); New Zealand 5 (Anita Punt, Kayla Sharland, Anna Thorpe, Charlotte Harrisson, Samantha Harrisson) bt Malaysia 0.
Wednesday's matches: Men: Pool A: Australia v Scotland (8.30 a.m.); Pakistan v Malaysia (8.30 p.m.). Pool B: England v Trinidad and Tobago (5 p.m.); New Zealand v South Africa (6.30 p.m.).
Women: Pool A: India v Australia (1.30 p.m.); Pool B: Canada v England (10.30 a.m.).
