Indian Hockey Team continued their dominant run over Pakistan in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy as they eliminated their arch-rivals with 4-0 hammering on Wednesday, August 9. The eight-time Olympic champions were relentless against Pakistan, handing them their most substantial loss in the tournament. This victory positioned India at the top of the leaderboard, being the only undefeated team in the Asian Champions Trophy.
Now India will meet Japan and Malaysia will face Korea in the semifinal clashes while Pakistan will be up against China for the fifth place contest.
With their semifinal berth already confirmed before the game, India showcased confidence and dominance throughout, while Pakistan were always playing the catch-up game. Harmanpreet gave India an early lead by masterfully converting their initial penalty corner with a strong flick that went past Pakistan's goalkeeper, Akmal Hussain, just as the first quarter ended.
In the 23rd minute, India was awarded another penalty corner. Harmanpreet munched on the opportunity, sending a powerful drag-flick through Akmal's defenses.
Maintaining their aggressive stance, India consistently pressured the Pakistani defense. They earned two successive penalty corners in the 30th minute, but Harmanpreet couldn't capitalize on either. Following the second miss, the Indians sought a video referral, suggesting that a Pakistani player had stopped a goal-bound ball with his foot. However, the video umpire didn't favor the host team's appeal.
By half-time, India was leading 2-0.
Six minutes into the third quarter, Jugraj Singh made sure to convert India's third penalty corner, extending the lead to 3-0. Pakistan had a glimmer of hope with their second penalty corner in the 43rd minute but failed to make it count.
India widened the gap further in the 55th minute when Akashdeep Singh redirected a shot from Mandeep Singh into the goal, bringing the score to 4-0. Out of the five penalty corners India earned during the match, they successfully converted three.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Big News: Pakistan announce 17-member strong squad for Asia Cup 2023, star bowling all-rounder preferred over Zaman Khan
Big News: ICC announces nine changes in ODI World Cup schedule along with India vs Pakistan's rescheduled fixture
