In a tightly contested Asian Hockey Champions Trophy group stage match, India clinched a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
This loss was Pakistan’s first in the tournament, contrasting with India’s fifth straight win in the six-team round-robin event.
Harmanpreet Singh starred for India, netting both goals. Pakistan’s early lead through Ahmed Nadeem’s goal in the first quarter wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Pakistan couldn’t capitalize despite several promising chances, enabling India to sustain their lead.
Historically, in the last 11 international hockey matches between these nations, India has won eight and Pakistan three.
Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals, with a potential rematch in the finals.
So far, Pakistan has two wins and two draws, while India boasts a perfect record with four victories. This match ended Pakistan’s previously unbeaten run.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, scored two goals to secure the win, marking their fifth consecutive victory in this year’s tournament.
Ahmad Nadeem scored Pakistan’s only goal in their first tournament loss after two wins and two draws.
India, Pakistan, and South Korea have secured semifinal spots. The outcome of the Japan vs. China match will determine the last spot.
India leads the table with 15 points, followed by Pakistan with eight and South Korea with six. Malaysia holds the fourth spot with five points, while China and Japan have three and one point, respectively.
China must defeat Japan to surpass Malaysia and advance to the semifinals.
