Azlan Shah Cup: India sweep aside Pakistan 3-1

Pakistan had nine penalty corners but could not break through.

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.