India maintained their perfect record in the Asian Champions Trophy after a convincing 4-0 win against Pakistan on Wednesday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh was the standout performer, scoring twice via penalty corners. India's confidence was evident throughout the match; they dictated the play and completely overwhelmed their opponents, who spent most of the game chasing the score. This commanding victory caps off a strong group stage for the Men in Blue, who finished first with 13 points from four wins in five matches.
India skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored twice from penalty corners as India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-0 on Wednesday to remain unbeaten in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. India played confidently and absolutely dominated the match, having already secured their semifinal berth prior to the match, while Pakistan was constantly playing catch-up. It was a commanding win for Men in Blue. Team India won four of its five games and finished at the top in the group stage with 13 points.
Now eliminated from the main competition, Pakistan will fight for fifth place in the upcoming playoffs. India's goals came from Harmanpreet, who scored twice in the first half, Jugraj Singh, and a final deflected shot from Akashdeep in the fourth quarter. India is now set to face Japan in the semifinals on Friday, August 11, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. Japan earned their spot in the top four by overcoming China 2-1.
The breakthrough came at the end of the first quarter when Harmanpreet Singh fired a sharp, low flick to the left of goalkeeper Akmal Hussain to put India ahead. He struck again in the 23rd minute, converting another penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick that slipped right through the goalkeeper's legs.
India kept the pressure high, launching frequent attacks to keep Pakistan on the defensive. A cross from the left by Harmanpreet Singh earned India another penalty corner. Although Hardik Singh maintained his usual positioning, Harmanpreet's subsequent attempt was blocked and sent wide by a charging defender.
Another penalty corner was awarded to India, but the shot was deflected wide. The Indian team requested a video review to contest the call, but since there was no clear evidence of a foul or goal, the review was unsuccessful, and they were only granted a long corner.
Pakistan attempted to rally and find some rhythm in the third quarter, but they struggled to actually penetrate the Indian circle. Captain Umar Bhutta managed to intercept the ball, but he was quickly shut down by a disciplined Indian defense. Shortly after, India won another penalty corner; Jugraj Singh took the strike, and despite the goalkeeper's effort to save it, the ball found the back of the net.
The scoring was completed when Mandeep rolled the ball toward the goal, allowing Akashdeep—who was positioned right next to the keeper—to deflect it home, making it 4-0 and cementing a brilliant victory.