India Edges Pakistan 2-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

In a thrilling encounter at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, India secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Pakistan in their final group-stage match in Hulunbuir, China. The game, with fans on the edge of their seats, saw Pakistan take an early lead before India's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, stepped up to turn the tide with two crucial goals.

Pakistan Strikes First

The action started with intensity as Pakistan found the back of the net in the first quarter. Nadeem was the hero for Pakistan, scoring the opening goal with a well-executed play. His goal came in the 7th minute, giving Pakistan an early 1-0 lead and putting India under pressure.

Harmanpreet Responds for India

India, however, did not take long to respond. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, known for his expertise in penalty corners, equalized for India in the 13th minute of the first quarter. His powerful drag-flick pierced through Pakistan’s defense, levelling the score at 1-1.

India Takes the Lead

In the second quarter, Harmanpreet was at it again. Just before the halfway mark, in the 23rd minute, India earned another penalty corner. Harmanpreet capitalized on the opportunity, scoring his second goal and giving India a 2-1 lead. This brace from the Indian captain proved to be the game-changer.

A Tight Battle to the Finish

The rest of the match saw both teams battling fiercely, with Pakistan pressing hard for an equalizer. India’s defense, led by goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, stood firm, with Pathak making several crucial saves to deny Pakistan any further chances. Despite relentless efforts from both sides, no more goals were scored, and India maintained their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.

The victory allowed India to remain unbeaten in the tournament, setting them up well for the knockout stages. Harmanpreet’s leadership and his brace were the highlights of the match, while Pakistan’s early strike added drama to this always-intense rivalry.