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India edged past Pakistan with a 4-3 win in FIH Pro League encounter at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on June 23. In their first game of London leg of the tournament, India managed to hold on to their nerves and keep Pakistan at bay in the final moments of the fixture.
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In the opening quarter, Pakistan's Ahmad Nadeem scored via a penalty corner in the eighth minute. India found the equaliser in the 22nd minute after several aggressive plays. Abhishek scored on the rebound as goalkeeper Ali Raza padded away Dilpreet Singh's shot.
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India took the lead a few minutes later. Nikalanta Sharma got the ball through Raza's legs via a penalty corner. Raza tried to make up for his mistake by thwarting Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet Singh's attempts in the 28th minute off penalty corners. At the half-time, the scoreline read 2-1.
Indian defenders Amir Rohidas showed his class as he nullified Pakistan's Nadeem's counter-attack. 10 minutes into the third quarter, Sukhjeet Singh got an assist from Abhishek and India took a 3-1 lead. There was no room for errors in the final quarter. Indian defense was on their toes, blocking consecutive penalty corners in the 51st minute.
Tense finish in London as Pakistan go on allout attack
A minute later, India were on the counter-attack and earned a penalty corner. The substitute goalkeeper Waqar was left dumbfounded as Rajinder found the back of the net with Harmanpreet acting as a decoy.
Even after a 4-1 lead, India could not ensure a comfortable win. In the 53rd minute, Pakistan skipper Mahmood's penalty corner flick went between goalkeeper Suraj Karkera's legs. In the 56th minute, Jugraj couldn't provide the finishing touch to make it 5-2.
With 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Pakistan's Moin Shakeel made it 4-3 by scoring on a rebound on penalty corner. In the final moments of the game, India didn’t let Pakistan score the equaliser and registered a 4-3 win. India maintained their decade-long unbeaten run against Pakistan.
Where do India, Pakistan stand in FIH Hockey Pro League points table?
This was India's third win in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League. They are placed eighth in the standings, just above Pakistan who have won 13 games in a row. India have beaten Netherlands and Germany in the current season as well.
India will face England in their next match at the same venue on June 25. On the next day, India will lock horns with Pakistan again.
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