Pakistan's hockey team is building serious momentum ahead of the FIH World Cup, and Saturday's 3-1 triumph over South Korea in Islamabad was about far more than just another victory. The win, secured through a captain's second-half masterclass, keeps the hosts perfect in their four-match series and signals a squad finding its sharpest form at exactly the right moment. Main Developments Abu Bakr Mahmood delivered a brace of penalty-corner conversions to overturn a halftime deficit and seal a 3-1 result at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. After a goalless opening quarter, South Korea struck first through Son Dain's field goal in the final minute of the second period, leaving Pakistan chasing the game. Pakistan responded just three minutes into the second half when Abdul Rehman powered home a field goal to level the score at 1-1. From there, the hosts took control, with Abu Bakr converting a penalty corner in the 52nd minute and then adding a second in the final minute to complete a commanding comeback. Read also: Why FIFA's $4.2B World Cup plan collapsed in 5 days The captain's all-round display earned him the player-of-the-match award, while the victory mirrored the identical 3-1 margin Pakistan posted in the first Test at the same venue. With two wins from two, the hosts have already wrapped up the series regardless of the remaining fixtures. Background This four-match series serves as Pakistan's final competitive tune-up before the FIH World Cup, which begins August 15 in the Netherlands and Belgium. The national side has been rebuilding under PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, who described the Korea matches as crucial for improving the team's global ranking. Pakistan's pool-stage schedule at the World Cup includes daunting opponents such as arch-rivals India and England, making these home Tests a vital confidence builder. The team has not played international hockey on home soil in recent memory, with one spectator, Naveed Ahmed, noting it was the first time he had watched a live international match in person. Why It Matters Pakistan's hockey program has long struggled to recapture its former glory, and consistent results against a competitive side like South Korea provide tangible evidence of progress. The series also offers crucial preparation for the World Cup, where every match will test the squad's depth and tactical discipline. For fans, the return of international hockey to Pakistan is a significant development, reconnecting the country with a sport that once defined its sporting identity. The team's ability to come from behind and finish strongly suggests a mental resilience that could prove decisive in high-pressure tournament encounters. What's Next Pakistan and South Korea will meet again for the third Test, with the hosts aiming to extend their series lead to 3-0. Beyond that, the PHF president announced that the World Cup squad will be named within the next three days, giving players a clear deadline to press their case for selection. The remaining Tests will also serve as a final opportunity for fringe players to impress the coaching staff before the squad is locked in. All eyes now turn to the official squad announcement and how Pakistan's World Cup campaign unfolds against a demanding pool-stage lineup.