Asian Champions Trophy: India beats Pakistan 3-1 for second win
Asian Champions Trophy: India beats Pakistan 3-1 for second win Defending champions India continued to assert its superiority over arch rivals and neighbours Pakistan by defeating them 3-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat on Saturday. This was India's second win from as many matches in the tournament. Pakistan had beaten South Korea 3-1 in its opener a couple of days ago for its first win while India had a mince meat of the hosts, Oman, 11-0, to launch its campaign in defence of its title. Indian skipper Manpreet Singh, who scored the first goal and the equaliser for India was adjudged the man of the match. Goalkeeper Sreejesh celebrated his 200th international cap in the game. In the last 13 games played between India and Pakistan, India has won 11 and drawn one. Last time India lost to Pakistan was in the final of the 2016 South Asian Games. Earlier Japan beat Korea 2-0. Pakistan started on a pleasant note, scoring from its first penalty corner earned in the opening minute. Muhammad Irfan Junior made no mistake from the award to put the defending champions under pressure. Though India had better ball control, worked out good moves and saw its defence and offence combining intelligently, it had to wait till the 24th minute when skipper Manpreet scored in what looked a brilliant solo as he worked his way into the striking circle to surprise the Pakistan defence, including the goalkeeper. Once on level terms, Indians were far more biting in their attacks. Though they missed a couple of good scoring chances but it did not prevent Mandeep Singh scoring a superb goal with a terse shot after Akashdeep Singh had put him in a scoring position. The second goal came in the 32nd minute. Also ReaD: Breaking News:Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup: Hat trick of goals by Versaval gives Belgium big win over Japan In fact India got two goals in the third quarter. After Mandeep had put the team ahead, it was young Dilpreet Singh, who after scoring three goals against Oman in the first game, got India its third and final goal with a superb deflection in the 42nd minute. India now plays Japan tomorrow. Japan had lost its opener to Malaysia but beat Korea today to stay in the hunt for the medal round. -PTC NEWS
