Pakistan had scored in the fourth minute. PHOTO: AFP
IPOH: Pakistan’s hopes in the Azlan Shah Cup were left in the balance as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat from arch rivals India, Express News reported.
Having been hammered 6-0 on Sunday by Australia, the green shirts were quick out of the block, racing to a lead just four minutes into the game.
But India, who had come into the match without a win in the tournament, struck twice in five minutes to wrest the initiative from Pakistan. From then on India preferred to sit back and defend, happy to hit on the counter.
Pakistan kept piling on the pressure but could not break past a resolute Indian defence and a determined Sreejesh Ravindran in goal.
The green shirts had nine penalty corners in the match but just could not find a way past Ravindran.
India though sealed the match after Mandeep scored India's third goal in the 56th minute.
Pakistan now sit level on points with India, South Korea, and New Zealand. Australia leads the table with Malaysia right behind them.
Pakistan play Malaysia on Thursday.
COMMENTS (17)
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Good to see we're discussing (and patronising) other sports besides cricket... Cricket has been given too much of importance and its time we patronise (and win) other sports as well.
Watched the match on replay and really enjoyed it. How to lose a match, one should learn from Pakistan only. Pakistan had more than 60 % possession during each half and earned nine penality corners but could convert only once, However, credit has to be given to the Indian players who though looked like school boys being junior team members played their heart out, were much fitter than Pakistanis, goal keeper saved atleast six sure goals, full back players were solid and more importantly they did not panic when Pakistan mounted attacks in waves.
Anyone wants to just enjoy this as a fine sport in which one team wins and the other loses and life goes on?
@Singh: BCCI is more busy fixing upcoming IPL matches; do not have time for non important Azlan Shah fixture...........
It was fixed match. BCCI done it again. (come on let say it.)
No good news from Pakistan sports these days!!!!
Not at all
always only one wins this time was for India. we shall look farward.
@Anwar Ahmad: yes they should be loosing all the matches..:-)
Well done India. India is not playing badly fielding its junior team as it played close matches against Australia and South Korea. The Australian coach had categorically stated that India had gone to gain experience to form a new team.
@Agha Shehroon khan : why are u showing hypocracy...why don't u appreciate india's good performance?
good going india.....keep it up :)
Whenever they win first match they loose rest.
As expected !!
Most of the time Pakistan lose due to bad defense. In last couple of years this became evident but they are not working on it.
yess!!
i am very happy!
I want our team to win against western teams like Australia, nether land, Germany etc. Pakistan has better ranking than India in the hockey field but we are no match with western teams