Ind vs Pak, Asian Champions Trophy: The Indian men's hockey team defeated Pakistan 2-1 in their final group-stage match at the Asian Champions Trophy on Saturday. It was India's fifth straight victory in the six-team round-robin tournament.

 Before this match, India had dominated Pakistan, winning 16 of 25 games since 2013. 

In the match, Harmanpreet scored twice to maintain India's perfect record in the competition. In a tense and emotional atmosphere, both teams battled to get into a rhythm. Pakistan's Moin Shakeel had the first attempt on goal, rushing past the Indian defence, but he missed it.

Pakistan maintained pressure on India's defence in the opening quarter, with Ajaz Ahmad attacking from the right side, but the game concluded without any real danger.

Two minutes later, Ahmad Nadeem scored easily, putting India behind for the first time in the tournament. Hannan Shahid posed a threat in India's defensive half. Nadeem was able to score due to India's defence's failure.

As the first quarter came to a close, India tried to flip the match in their favour, earning a penalty corner. Harmanpreet, the world's top drag-flicker, put the ball past Pakistan's keeper, who stood still as the ball into the net. The first quarter ended 1-1.

Abu Mahmood injured in 2nd quarter

In the early stages of the second quarter, Pakistan trailed by one goal. Harmanpreet maintained his 100% penalty corner conversion rate with another crisp flick to the left of the keeper.

Pakistan's woes worsened when Abu Mahmood injured his knee and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. The game continued, and both teams began to compete for control.

India tried to hold possession by using the aerial route. However, the lack of accuracy tormented them in their attempts to keep control.

Jarmanpreet Singh failed to seize the lofted ball, allowing Pakistan to penetrate their defensive half. Pakistan failed to punish India on the counterattack, leaving the score 2-1.

After both teams had their fair share of chances, the game continued in the third quarter. India earned a penalty corner when Araijeet dribbled through on goal and was fouled. However, this time, Pakistan's defence smartly dealt Harmanpreet's flick away.

It was a back-and-forth affair after Pakistan earned a penalty corner on the other end. Jarmanpreet took on defence duty, blocking Pakistan's shot with his stick.

Pakistan continued to have a good stretch, as they had another chance to equalise after winning another penalty corner.

India goalkeeper Krishan Pathak kept firm and made a fantastic double save to keep Pakistan at bay. 

Pakistan's persistent attacks continued, forcing Pathak to make another save. Pakistan got another penalty corner, and the shot was deflected by the first rusher. Pathak extended his right foot to keep India's narrow one-goal advantage intact.

Pakistan's momentum faded in the blink of an eye following a quick video referral to check for serious misconduct. Sufyan tipped Nilkanta Sharma while tackling. As a result, he received a yellow card and served a five-minute ban.

At the end of the third quarter, Pakistan got a penalty corner opportunity to tie the game. Without their star striker, Sufyan, Pakistan were unable to produce a solid effort on goal. The hooter rang, marking the end of an exciting third quarter.

India began the fourth quarter on an aggressive note, but Abhishek's reverse hit went over the goalpost. Pakistan regained full strength as Sufyan returned to the field after serving his ban.

The action continued in an exciting match after Pakistan's Rana Waheed Ashraf was suspended for 10 minutes for misconduct.

Both teams were reduced to ten men after India's Manpreet Singh received a five-minute yellow card. Despite a late setback, India held onto the advantage and defeated Pakistan 2-1. 

- PTC NEWS

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