India edge out arch-rivals 3-2 in group encounter

Top-ranked India had to dig deep into their reserves to eke out a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals and defending champions Pakistan in a preliminary league match of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey here on Sunday.

India exhibited their composed defence under early pressure from Pakistan and worked hard to gain control of the showpiece encounter of the tournament at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.

Young striker Pradeep Mor scored his maiden goal in 13 international appearances to give India the lead in the 22nd minute, but then, Pakistan took charge through strikes from Muhammad Rizwan Sr. in the 31st minute and Muhammad Irfan Jr. in the 39th.

Rupinder Pal Singh converted India’s only penalty corner in the 43rd minute and Ramandeep Singh came into goal-scoring action the following minute by deflecting in a diagonal cross from Talwinder Singh. This victory gives India seven points from three outings. India had outplayed Japan 10-2 in their first outing, but were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea on Saturday.

Starting as two-time defending champions, Pakistan suffered a 2-4 loss to hosts Malaysia and then prevailed 1-0 over South Korea in their previous matches of the six-nation league.

Top four teams from the round-robin competition will advance to the semi-finals.

Pakistan forced the first penalty corner in the opening minute when an Indian defender carried the ball in the circle, but goalkeeper PR Sreejesh blocked two shots to ward off danger. Sreejesh first padded the drag-flick from Muhammad Aleem Bilal and then dived to his right to clear the rebound attempt.

Talwinder Singh had the first Indian shot at the goal in the 11th minute when he picked up a pass from the right on top of the circle and created some space as he turned for the reverse hit, but the shot soared high over the cross-piece.

India took the lead against the run of play in the 22nd minute when Pradeep Mor on the right flank latched on to a deflected ball. Mor darted into the circle and sent in a firm shot from a very narrow angle that beat goalkeeper Imran Butt to land on target.