Asian Champions Trophy: India remain unbeaten, defeat Pakistan 2-1

Hulunbuir (China), Sep 14: Defending champions India overcame stiff challenge from arch rivals Pakistan, to clinch a thrilling 2-1 victory in their last group stage match in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 at the Moqi Training Base, here on Saturday.

Pakistan took the lead as Nadeem drew first blood in the first quarter. But Pakista's joy was  short lived. Before the end of first quarter, India captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner to make it 1-1.

Harmanpreet scored again in the second quarter to give India a 2-1 lead. Despite several attempts, neither team could net more gals and the match finished 2-1 in India's favour. 

Harmanpreet's men entered the semifinals as the unbeaten team in the tournament. That indeed revealed their fine form and the manner in which they have played their hockey in their title defence campaign so far.

India captain Harmanpreet, who scored a brace against Pakistan on Saturday, has already hogged limelight with more than 200 international goals.

Prior to their meetings in the last group stage match, both India and Pakistan were unbeaten in the tournament. Of course, both teams had already entered the semi-finals. 

In their journey to the semis. India defeated China 3-0, Japan 5-1, Malaysia 8-1, Korea 3-1 and Pakistan 2-1.

India have proved their supremacy over Pakistan in recent years. They have also won two consecutive Olympics Bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris.

Prior to their face-off on Saturday, the last time India faced Pakistan, was a Pool A match at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. India, the eventual champions thrashed the Men in Green 10-2. That was the highest ever margin India defeated Pakistan. That was also the first time India scored more than seven goals in their 180 plus face-offs so far against Pakistan. 

Similarly, in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, India defeated Pakistan 4-0 and emerged title winners. 

Despite losing to India,  Ammad Butt-led Pakistan will fancy their chances to do well in the semifinals. If both arch rivals win their respective semi battles, another Indo-Pak battle in the tournament, that to a summit clash cannot be ruled out.

So far, in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, under the guidance of hockey legend Tahir Zaman, Pakistan have been impressive too. Pakistan drew 2-2 against Malaysia and Korea, beat Japan 2-1 and China 5-1. Despite losing to India 1-2, Pakistant entered the semifinals.

Worth mentioning that Asian Champions Trophy 2024, the six-team tournament, is being played in a round-robin format. The top four teams advanced to the semifinals, which would be played on September 16. The final will be played on September 17.