Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: India knock out Pakistan with 4-0 win, finish as table toppers in group stage
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored twice as India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-0 in their final round-robin league match here on Wednesday to advance to the semifinals unbeaten.
India now leads the standings with 13 points after four wins and one draw. Harmanpreet (15th, 23rd minutes) converted two penalty corners, while Jugraj Singh (36th) added another.
In the 55th minute, India’s final goal came from the sticks of Akashdeep Singh on a field play. Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament on goal difference despite finishing with the same five points as Korea and Japan. Pakistan needed a draw or a one-goal loss to advance to the semifinals.
Before the game, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin greeted the players from both countries, and Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also made an appearance. Pakistan provided the early sparks by repeatedly entering the Indian circle. However, the Indian defence maintained its cool in order to prevent any inroads into its neighbors.
Pakistan’s first attempt at a goal came in the form of a penalty corner, which Indian custodian Krishan Bahadur Pathak brilliantly saved. Pakistan appealed for a penalty corner in the ninth minute after three Indian attacking attempts from Karthi Selvam, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Mandeep Singh, but the video referee ruled against the Men in Green.
At the stroke of the first quarter, India earned a penalty corner, which Harmanpreet converted with a powerful low flick to the left of Pakistan custodian Akmal to put India ahead. In the 23rd minute, India won their second penalty corner, and Harmanpreet scored with a fierce drag-flick in between Pakistan goalkeeper Akmal’s legs to double the lead.
India maintained the same intensity after the change of ends and secured another penalty corner six minutes into the third quarter. Jugraj found the back of the net once more to triple the lead. After a series of attacks, India found the net in the 41st minute once more, as Harmanpreet flashed it in while it deflected off a Pakistani stick. However, the goal was overturned after a video referral for the dangerous ball.
Selvam passed the ball comfortably inside the box to an unmarked Akashdeep, who pushed the ball wide with an open net in front of him, giving the Indians another chance.
Pakistan earned their second penalty corner in the 43rd minute but squandered it. India increased their lead to 4-0 in the 55th minute when Akashdeep deflected Mandeep Singh’s strike.
India will face Japan in the semifinals, while Malaysia will face Korea on Friday.