India continued their winning momentum, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 in a Pool ‘A’ encounter of the Asia Cup hockey tournament on Sunday.
India down Pakistan to top Asia Cup pool
After the two easy wins against Japan (5-1) and hosts Bangladesh (7-0), as expected India had a relatively tough outing against Pakistan but managed to maintain their all-win record.
India controlled the proceedings for the better part of the match, barring the final quarter when Pakistan, trailing 0-3, came hard on the Indian defense in search of goals.
But at the end of the day, the Indians came out superior and continued their recent domination over Pakistan, that includes back-to-back victories in the Hockey World League Semi-Final in London earlier this year.
After Pakistan wasted their third penalty corner, Ramandeep doubled India’s lead in the 44th minute with a neat deflection off Harmanpreet Singh’s fantastic cross from the middle of the pitch.
India extended their lead in the very next minute from their second penalty corner through Harmanpreet.
Chikte once again came to India’s rescue soon, when he denied Pakistan with a fine save from their fourth penalty corner.
Thereafter, India pressed hard and earned as many as three penalty corners in succession but wasted them all.
