India captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace to seal a 2-1 win over arch-rival Pakistan in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy on Saturday. The ‘Fultonball’ strategy prevailed over Pakistan in a blockbuster clash filled with drama.
Before this encounter, India had established dominance over Pakistan with 16 wins in 25 matches since 2013. The trend continued, as Harmanpreet’s brace helped India maintain their unbeaten streak in the competition.
With emotions running high in an electric atmosphere, Pakistan’s Moin Shakeel had the first opportunity on target, charging past Indian defenders but ultimately missing his chance. Pakistan continued to threaten India’s defense in the first quarter, with Ajaz Ahmad creating danger from the right side, but the play concluded without a goal.
Two minutes later, India found themselves trailing for the first time in the tournament when Ahmad Nadeem scored with ease. The move began with Hannan Shahid in India’s defensive half, and a loose defensive effort allowed Nadeem to slot the ball into the back of the net. As the first quarter neared its end, India earned a penalty corner, and Harmanpreet, currently the most in-form drag-flicker, coolly slotted the ball past Pakistan’s stationary goalkeeper. The quarter ended with the score tied at 1-1.
In the second quarter, India quickly took the lead after another successful penalty corner by Harmanpreet, maintaining his 100% conversion rate. Pakistan’s situation worsened when Abu Mahmood suffered a knee injury and had to leave the field on a stretcher.
Despite India’s attempts to control possession through aerial passes, their lack of accuracy allowed Pakistan to penetrate their defensive half. However, Pakistan couldn’t capitalize on the counterattack, leaving the score at 2-1.
Both teams had chances in the third quarter. India earned a penalty corner after Araijeet dribbled through on goal, but this time Harmanpreet’s flick was blocked by Pakistan’s defense. Pakistan responded with a penalty corner of their own, but Jarmanpreet Singh’s excellent defense stopped the shot.
Pakistan continued to press, earning multiple penalty corners, but Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak made a series of remarkable saves, keeping India’s slim lead intact. Pakistan’s momentum was interrupted when a video referral led to Sufyan receiving a yellow card and a five-minute suspension for misconduct.
In the fourth quarter, India started aggressively, though Abhishek’s reverse hit went over the goalpost. Pakistan regained full strength with Sufyan’s return, but the drama continued as Pakistan’s Rana Waheed Ashraf was suspended for 10 minutes due to misconduct.
Both teams were reduced to 10 men after India’s Manpreet Singh received a 5-minute yellow card. Despite the late setback, India held on and secured a 2-1 win over Pakistan.
(With ANI inputs)