NEW DELHI: India prolonged their dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan with an exhilarating 5-3 victory of their closing Pool D match of the FIH Males’s Hockey World Cup on Wednesday, overcoming a spirited fightback to e-book their place within the subsequent spherical.In a contest befitting considered one of hockey’s largest rivalries, India raced to a 3-0 lead earlier than Pakistan repeatedly threatened a comeback. Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored twice every, whereas Hardik Singh transformed a penalty stroke as India maintained their grip on the competition.Because it occurred: India vs Pakistan, Hockey World CupPakistan fought again by means of Hannan Shahid’s brace and Sufyan Khan’s penalty-corner strike, however India held their nerve throughout a tense closing quarter, together with a spell once they had been lowered to 10 gamers.India completed second in Pool D with six factors from three matches, behind England, who topped the group with 9 factors. Pakistan had been eradicated.
Harmanpreet, Abhishek put India in command
India made a flying begin and had been rewarded with their first penalty nook within the fifth minute. Harmanpreet’s preliminary drag-flick struck a Pakistan defender’s foot, however the India captain bought one other alternative and made no mistake.He stored his second effort low and arduous in the direction of the goalkeeper’s left, beating the put up defender to place India forward.India doubled their benefit within the eleventh minute. Abhishek confirmed glorious management to deliver down an aerial ball earlier than taking part in it throughout aim, with the ball finally discovering the web off a Pakistan stick. The aim was initially credited to Mandeep Singh in the course of the stay motion, however the FIH web site later credited it to Abhishek.India continued to dominate possession and territory, with a lot of the play happening in Pakistan’s half. The hosts went into the first-quarter break with a 2-0 benefit.Harmanpreet then struck once more within the twenty first minute, this time following a penalty-corner variation. Rajinder Singh took the preliminary drag-flick, which was saved, however India retained possession and Harmanpreet hammered the rebound previous the goalkeeper.The aim took Harmanpreet’s tally to 5 on the 2026 World Cup.
Pakistan combat again in goal-filled second quarter
Pakistan refused to fold and instantly pulled one again by means of Hannan Shahid within the twenty second minute. Suraj made the preliminary save, however Hannan reacted quickest to the rebound and beat the goalkeeper on the second try.India restored their three-goal cushion virtually instantly. Abhishek produced an excellent particular person transfer contained in the circle, displaying glorious dribbling abilities earlier than his effort took a deflection off a Pakistan stick and located the web.Pakistan responded as soon as once more. Sufyan Khan transformed a penalty nook within the twenty fifth minute, together with his drag-flick taking a deflection off Amit Rohidas earlier than ending up within the aim.The second quarter had produced 4 objectives and turned the competition into an more and more frantic affair. India went into half-time with a 4-2 benefit, however Pakistan had proven they had been able to inflicting issues.
Hardik restores three-goal cushion
India regained some respiration house early within the second half once they had been awarded a penalty stroke after an intentional foul contained in the circle. Hardik Singh stepped up and made no mistake, sending the ball into the web to revive India’s three-goal benefit.Pakistan continued to push ahead, however India defended a number of harmful moments successfully. The guests additionally earned a penalty nook on the counter-attack, just for India’s dashing defenders to place sufficient strain on the drag-flicker to power the hassle broad.India remained in management heading into the ultimate quarter, though Abhishek got here near including one other earlier than his effort struck the aspect netting.
Pakistan threaten late, however India maintain agency
Pakistan made the right begin to the ultimate quarter when Hannan Shahid scored his second aim within the forty sixth minute. Pakistan received possession after Hardik misplaced the ball in midfield, and Hannan produced a composed end to chop India’s result in 5-3.India had been more and more pressured to defend as Pakistan pressed excessive looking for one other opening. The strain intensified when Aditya Arjun was proven a yellow card, leaving India with 10 gamers for the ultimate 5 minutes.Pakistan received a penalty-corner referral after the ball was adjudged to have hit the shin guard of an Indian defender and continued throwing gamers ahead. India, nevertheless, defended resolutely and refused to give up their two-goal benefit.The consequence prolonged India’s sturdy current dominance over Pakistan and ensured they superior to the subsequent spherical of the World Cup, whereas Pakistan’s marketing campaign got here to an finish.
