Harmanpreet and Abhishek did the heavy lifting for India.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
It was, at times, too easy for the Indian men even if they weren’t at their best.
India reiterated the gulf in class between it and neighbour Pakistan with a 5-3 win, punching its ticket into the second round of the hockey World Cup at the Wagener Stadion here on Wednesday. India finished second in Pool D with six points, behind England (nine points).
The India-Pakistan encounter was a high-stakes game on paper with expats from the South Asian nations adding vibrant colour and atmosphere to the setting. There was no added spice with both teams continuing their tradition of pre-match high-fives but the mood extended to the game with goals spread around.
Pakistan was content playing on the counter with India having to devise ways to break down its defence. There were plenty of long balls but Pakistan was kind enough to afford space inside the circle, which the Harmanpreet Singh-led team capitalised on.
India’s efficiency from penalty corners has been one of its high points this campaign, and Harmanpreet underscored the attribute with two goals from set-pieces.
A powerful drag-push to the right corner opened India’s account in the fourth minute. In open play, Abhishek Nain threatened from the left with his close control and dribbling, scoring twice after his shots found kind deflections into the net.
India was cruising except for the second quarter when a drop in intensity and misplaced passes resulted in Pakistan’s revival. Suraj Karkera’s slow reflexes after his initial save allowed Shahid Hannan to push home the rebound.
Both sides exchanged blows from PCs. Harmanpreet netted his fifth goal of the tournament before Sufyan Khan scored from a deflection off the first rusher.
India extended its advantage in the third quarter after Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke, but the midfielder’s cheap giveaway put Hannan through on goal for Pakistan’s third.
Pakistan tried to push hard in the final minutes when it earned a PC but failed with its execution, giving India breathing space.
While Craig Fulton men’s have ticked off the first target, things will only get harder from here on. But does this Indian team have more to offer?
The result: Pakistan 3 (Hannan 21, 45, Sufyan 24-pc) lost to India 5 (Harmanpreet 4-pc, 20-pc, Abhishek 10, 23, Hardik 34-ps).
Published – August 19, 2026 11:21 pm IST
