Moenchengladbach (Germany), Sep 9 (DPA) Pakistan and New Zealand are level at the top of Pool A with four points apiece Friday after the two sides drew 4-4 in an enthralling match in the Hockey World Cup marred only by slight controversy over one of the Kiwi goals.

Shakeel Abbassi put Pakistan in front on nine minutes with a penalty stroke after Rehan Butt was caught by Shea McAleese in the circle. New Zealand goalkeeper Paul Woolford managed to get his stick to the ball but could only deflect it into the net.

Pakistan's lead lasted just five minutes with Dean Couzins equalizing with a penalty stroke after the ball hit a Pakistan foot from a Gareth Brooks shot.

Pakistan found themselves behind two minutes later when Blair Hopping made it 2-1 for New Zealand but Muhammad Zubair somehow managed to make it 2-2 on 22 minutes, squeezing the ball home from an acute angle.

Match umpire David Leiper found himself surrounded by Pakistan players on 36 minutes after Couzins scored with his second penalty stroke of the game after Bevan Hari's shot was blocked by a Pakistan body.

However, goalkeeper Salman Akbar was furious as he protested he wasn't ready but the goal stood and New Zealand led 3-2.

Pakistan stormed back and Butt equalized in the 43rd minute with a reverse stick shot after a quick breakaway.

But New Zealand weren't finished as Hayden Shaw scored his third goal of the tournament with a flick from a penalty corner to make it 4-3.

Pakistan refused to quit and earned a deserved equalizer five minutes from time when Abbassi found Muhammad Zubair in the circle to make it 4-4.