In their last league match, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan four-nil to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy, remaining undefeated India Knocks Out Pakistan Hockey Team from Asian Champions Trophy.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh played an important role in the team’s victory by scoring two goals. Harmanpreet Singh scored two penalty corners while Jograj Singh and Akashdeep Singh scored one each.
The victory leaves India at the top of the table with 13 points after four wins and one draw.
It was a disappointing situation for the Umar Bhutta-led Pakistan team as they crashed out of the tournament on goal difference despite being level on five points with Korea and Japan.
All Pakistan had to do to qualify for the semi-finals was a draw or a one-goal defeat.
India will face fourth-placed Japan in the semi-finals on Friday, while second-placed Malaysia will take on Korea, who finished third in the round-robin stage.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Malaysia defeated South Korea 1-0 in their final round match. In another match, Japan defeated China by 2 goals to 1 to secure the fourth position in the round stage.
It may be recalled that Pakistan had a disappointing start with a defeat in the Asian Champions Hockey Trophy played in India where they were beaten 1-3 by Malaysia.
Report published in Dawn newspaper India is hosting the Asian Champions Hockey Trophy where the Pakistan team arrived in the Indian city of Amritsar through the Wagah border early last week from where it left for Chennai by flight.
The national team practiced at the National Hockey Stadium before leaving for India.
Hockey team coach Muhammad Saqlain said regarding the preparation for the trophy that all the opposing teams are coming with experience and a lot of preparation but the Pakistani team has trained a lot and the boys are fit.
He had said that the Pakistani team will play in an aggressive style in the Champions Trophy and the forward line has the ability to reduce the pressure on the defensive players.
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Team captain Umar Bhatta said that his team-mates are energetic and will do well in India. The national team’s impressive record in the Champions Trophy will give them confidence.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy:
Muhammad Umar Bhatta (Captain), Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (Vice-Captain), Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Safyan Khan, Ehtsham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Roman, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqub, Muhammad Shahzad Khan, Afraz, Abdul Rahman
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