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Sunil Chhetri’s hat-trick led India to a comprehensive 4-0 win over Pakistan 2023 SAFF Championship clash on June 21 at Sree Kanteerva Stadium. The lowest ranked team in SAFF Championship placed at 195, failed to put up a fight against hosts India as Chhetri created history in the second encounter of the tournament.
Chhetri’s brace in first half
Chhetri took an early lead in the 10th minute. Pakistan goalkeeper Saqib Hanif tried to dribble past Chhetri outside the box but the Indian captain nicked the ball off him to shoot the ball into an empty net. Few minutes later, a handball in the Pakistan box handed Chhetri an opportunity to score from the spot. Chhetri did not miss the opportunity and beat the goalkeeper to extend India’s lead.
Stimac gets red card
Just before the half-time a fight broke out as India coach Stimac blocked a Pakistani throw-in. It sparked a huge fight between the players from both sides. It led to Sandesh Jhingan and Rahis Nabi receiving yellow card. However, Stimac made amends for it by talking to Pakistan's Abdullah Iqbal before going off the pitch for half-time break.
Chhetri completes hat-trick
India had an early chance to score their third goal as Pakistan goalkeeper was too slow to respond. However, Sahal Samad was off target. In the 66th minute, Thapa almost scored off a free-kick but it bounced off the cross bar. It led to a counter-attack but Otis Khan's shot was wide. In the 73rd minute, Pakistan erred again as they fouled Chhetri inside the box. Chhetri did not miss the chance to bag a hat-trick and scored from the spot. It made him the second-highest Asian goal-scorer of all time and fourth-highest overall. He left Malaysia 's Mokhtar Dahari behind who scored 89 goals during his 14-year career.
Another goal
In the last 15 minutes, Pakistan were low on energy and substitute Udanta Singh put it past the goalkeeper with ease as the Bengaluru crowd went bonkers. In the 86th minute, Chhetri left the field after netting his 90th international goal. Liston Colaco got a chance to play in the last few minutes. There was not much action late in the game as India beat Pakistan by 4-0 to start off their campaign in style.
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