Asian Champions Trophy: India beat Pakistan 3-1 in Robin Group Stage

Vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a Brace


India defeated Pakistan by 3-1 in their third 2021 Men’s Asian Trophy match on Friday. Vice-Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace to help Olympics Bronze Medalists to register their second win in the tournament in Dhaka. 

 

Harmanpreet converted two penalty corners while Akashdeep Singh scored the second in the 42nd minute. The only goal for Pakistan was scored by Junaid Manzoor in the 45th minute.

 

India’s 3-1 victory, extended their five years unbeaten run against Pakistan extending their lead at the top of the table of the competition.

 

The gulf in class between India and Pakistan was evident all through 60 minutes. India made most of the dangerous passes and dominated possession. Their passes were landing right at the teammate’s stick. Pakistan often looked clueless.

 

Former Cricketer Virender Sehwag congratulated team India, “Many Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia for beating Pakistan 3-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy. Great efforts Team India. Chak De!”

 

Hockey India tweeted, “A phenomenal all- round performance earns India the Big W over Pakistan.”

 

But Pakistan repeatedly sends a reminder out that even though they might not possess the skills and fitness required to succeed at this level, they still have the grit that has always been associated with them. Pakistan players were successful in frustrating India during the match.

 

India has earlier drawn to 2-2 with South Korea in the tournament opener, currently leads the points table with 7 points from three games. Pakistan is yet to win a game, have only one point which came against a goalless draw with Japan on Tuesday. India will play against Japan in their last match on Sunday before the knockouts.

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