Pakistan thrash India in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
In the most crucial contest on the seventh day of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan crushed India by two goals, 3-1, at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia, May 11.
The Greenshirts, who had lost all five games against India in 2010, came from behind and displayed an outstanding performance in the second half of play. With a commanding win, the Greenshirts also broke the curse over successes against India.
In the first half of play, India ruled over the Pakistani team with ball possession. Soon, the Indian team earned their first short corner in the 12th minute of play, which was attempted in the hands of Dhananjay Mahadik.
However, Pakistani goalie, Imran Shah made a dive to clear the ball from the 25-yard line. In a rebounding effort, Shivendra Singh struck a powerful shot at goal, but the umpire disallowed it after consultation with fellow umpires.
Apart from missing shots, the Indian players continued their dominance on the field. India was awarded another short corner in the 21st minute of the match that was brilliantly converted in the hands of Rupinder Pal Singh opening the score at
1-0.
Singh unleashed a powerful flicking shot at the Pakistani goal, giving Imran no chance to stop the ball. It was Rupinder Pal Singh’s sixth goal in the ongoing Azlan Shah Tourney.
Pakistan responded to their opponents through an attack from Rehan Butt, but the Indian custodian, namely Adrian S’Souza, denied the attempt. In the very next minute, Shakeel Abbasi re-approached the Indian defensive circle, but the hit went over the bar.
The first half of play was concluded with India sitting on top with a single goal lead, 1-0.
In the second half of play, ball possession was in favour of the Greenshirts, as they created chances in search of an equaliser. They not only carried out back-to-back attacks but also demonstrated impressive defence.
In the 49th minute of the game, Pakistan made a run back into the India defensive circle when Fareed Ahmed made a pass to Muhammad Umar Bhutta on his left flank, who executed a low-flying shot past Indian goalkeeper, to tie the score at one-all.
In a matter of seven minutes, the Greenshirts were awarded another short corner after Rupinder Pal Singh failed to control the ball. Contrary to expectations, Muhammad Imran instead of Sohail Abbas unleashed a powerful scooping shot that moved absolutely
into the goalposts. Pakistan established their first lead in the game, 2-1.
In the very next minute, Pakistan earned another short corner and found a chance to expand the lead in the game. Sohail Abbas – the world’s highest goal-scorer attempted the opportunity and converted it into a goal.
In the remaining time period, Pakistan displayed an impressive show and rode away with a convincing 3-1 victory.
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