India seek more Pak delights

Dhaka, October 20

High on confidence following their impressive string of performances, an in-form India would look to maintain their unbeaten run when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their third and final Super 4 match of the 10th men’s Asia Cup tomorrow.

Going by their recent form and domination, India, the top-ranked side in the tournament, will start as overwhelming favourites against the world No. 13 Pakistan, a nation with a glorious hockey history but currently struggling to get themselves back on the world map.

In the recent past, India have completely dominated Pakistan, and the Manpreet Singh-led side would look to continue their stranglehold over the neighbouring country. Barring the 1-1 draw against South Korea in their first Super 4 match, India have been in red-hot form in the tournament, having scored some beautiful field goals and displaying one-touch attacking hockey. The match against Korea seemed to have come as a wake-up call for the Indians, who are playing their maiden tournament under the new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

The draw against Korea acted as a catalyst for India as they came out all guns blazing against the ever-impressive Malaysia and routed them 6-2 in their second Super 4 match yesterday. India are atop the table in the Super 4 stage with four points from a win and a draw, followed by Malaysia (3 points), Korea (2 points) and Pakistan (1) from two games each. And come tomorrow, a draw would be enough for India to seal their place in the Sunday’s summit clash as they enjoy a better goal difference than any other side.

But it would be easier said than done as there is nothing to lose for Pakistan, who would be keen to prove a point to the world that they should not be considered as pushovers.

The situation is far from rosy for Pakistan as they would have to beat India by a big margin to stand in with a chance to qualify for the final. Their fate will also depend on the result of the other Super 4 match.

The most eye-catching thing for India in the tournament is the performance of their forward line. Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Lalit Upadhyay and young Gurjant Singh have been terrific upfront scoring fantastic field goals. 

The Indian midfield has been held well by skipper Manpreet Singh and Chinglensana Singh, while veteran Sardar Singh has done exceedingly well as the central defender and the linkman between the midfield and the forwards.

In another Super 4 game of the day, Korea will face Malaysia. — PTI