New Zealand men's hockey captain Dom Dixon believes the Nations Cup is the perfect tournament to gauge their status on the world stage

The event in Malaysia features second-tier nations - the winner qualifying for the global Pro League.

The defending champion Black Sticks have so far beaten Japan and Malaysia.

Dixon says that shows they're capable of competing with top tier teams.



The Black Sticks meet Pakistan from ten o'clock tonight, with both nations striving to be their pool's top qualifier for the semi-finals.