New Delhi: In a thrilling encounter at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, captain Harmanpreet Singhs two penalty corner conversions powered India to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday in Hulunbuir. The win marked Indias fifth consecutive triumph in the six-team round-robin stage, extending their unbeaten streak in the competition.Pakistan takes early leadThe high-octane clash began with Pakistan taking an early lead through Ahmad Nadeem, who scored in the 8th minute following a brilliant midfield play by Hannan Shahid. Nadeems quick strike stunned the Indian defense and put Pakistan ahead for the first time in the tournament. However, India remained composed and built their attacks with patience.India earned their first penalty corner in the 13th minute, and skipper Harmanpreet Singh seized the opportunity with a powerful drag-flick, sending the ball past Pakistans goalkeeper Munneb to level the score. Just six minutes later, Harmanpreet struck again, converting another penalty corner in the 19th minute, giving India a 2-1 lead.What a game! 🇮🇳💥 India vs Pakistan lived up to the hype with non-stop action and intense rivalry! Which moment was your favorite Comment down below and lets relive the action together!#IndVsPak #MenInBlue #PrideOfIndia #GameOn #IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #ACT24...… pic.twitter.com/MuKefEDdDl— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 14, 2024India maintains dominanceIndia continued to dominate possession in the second quarter, but Pakistan also had their moments, frequently penetrating the Indian circle. However, the Indian defense held firm. Just before halftime, Pakistan earned a crucial penalty corner but squandered the opportunity when Sufyan Khans flick hit the top of the bar and was disqualified for being a raised ball.The second half saw India controlling the game, but they were unable to convert multiple penalty corners. Pakistan, on the other hand, launched a series of attacks and earned four penalty corners in quick succession, but Indias defense proved impenetrable.Yellow card incidentIn the final quarter, the intensity of the match heightened as both teams pressed for more goals. India secured three more penalty corners but failed to extend their lead. The game took a heated turn when Pakistans Ashraf Waheed Rana collided with Indias Jugraj Singh inside the Indian circle, leaving Jugraj in visible pain. Harmanpreet Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh immediately confronted Rana, leading to a brief altercation. After reviewing the incident, the umpire issued a yellow card to Rana, suspending him for 10 minutes due to serious misconduct.Both teams advance to semifinalsWith this victory, India maintained their dominance over Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy, having not lost to their rivals since 2016. Both teams have already qualified for the semifinals of the tournament, continuing their pursuit of the coveted title.
