In what was billed as a close contest, India delivered a jaw-dropping performance by scoring an astounding 10 goals against a struggling Pakistani defense in a Pool A match at the Hangzhou Asian Games. This resounding victory marked India’s biggest ever win over their arch-rivals and secured their spot in the semi-finals.
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, led the charge with an incredible four-goal performance, while Varun Kumar added two more goals to solidify their dominance. The match quickly took a one-sided turn as India netted four goals in rapid succession, shattering Pakistan’s defensive resolve and opening the floodgates for their relentless attack.
Mandeep Singh initiated the scoring for India in the 8th minute of the 1st quarter, and Harmanpreet Singh added another with a penalty stroke in the 11th minute, giving India a 2-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter. India introduced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh in the 2nd quarter.
Harmanpreet continued his scoring spree in the 3rd quarter, securing a hat-trick in the second half of the game. His fourth goal, a powerful drag flick, extended India’s lead to 6-0 in the 34th minute. India maintained their momentum and relentlessly attacked Pakistan’s defense. However, Pakistan managed to break through with Sufiyan Khan scoring their first goal in the 38th minute.
In a remarkable counter-attacking move, Varun Kumar sprinted past Pakistani defenders to score a goal via deflection in the 41st minute, bringing India’s tally to 7. Shamsher added another goal in the 46th minute. Lalit Upadhyay found the net in the 49th minute with an assist from Jarmanpreet Singh, making it India’s ninth goal. Varun Kumar completed the scoring with India’s tenth goal in the 53rd minute.
India’s dominant display earned them a spot in the semi-finals, setting up a clash against Bangladesh scheduled for Monday.