Antwerp: India produced one of their most complete performances of the FIH Pro League season, coming from behind to crush arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 on Friday and continue their decade-long dominance in the rivalry.
After conceding an early penalty-corner goal, Craig Fulton’s side responded emphatically with goals from Sukhjeet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, Rajkumar Pal and Dilpreet Singh to register a commanding victory.
The win came less than 24 hours after India’s shootout defeat to England and also avenged some of the defensive lapses from their narrow 4-3 victory over Pakistan earlier in the week.
Pakistan strike first
Despite India dominating possession in the opening quarter, it was Pakistan who drew first blood.
After India failed to convert three early penalty corners, Pakistan made their opportunity count when Abu Mahmood unleashed a powerful drag-flick from a set-piece in the 13th minute to beat goalkeeper Mohith and the line defender, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead.
India continued to control territory but lacked the finishing touch before finally finding the equaliser early in the second quarter.
Harmanpreet’s penalty corner was cleverly deflected into the net by Sukhjeet Singh, who wrong-footed the Pakistan defence. Moments later, Harmanpreet rediscovered his trademark form from penalty corners, firing a drag-flick into the top corner to put India ahead.
Injury blow for Pakistan
Pakistan’s resistance weakened after defender Ahmad Nadeem suffered a painful facial injury and was forced off the field.
Meanwhile, India grew in confidence, with Mandeep Singh orchestrating several dangerous attacks and repeatedly winning penalty corners.
Pakistan coach Khawaja Muhammad Junaid said during the half-time break that Nadeem had suffered an injury to his eye and was being taken to hospital for further examination.
He also revealed that Pakistan were already dealing with three injuries in the squad before Nadeem became the fourth casualty.
India dominate second half
The third quarter completely belonged to India.
The men in blue extended their lead through a penalty stroke before producing one of the finest counter-attacking moves of the match.
After successfully defending a Pakistan penalty corner, India launched a rapid counter-attack and moved the ball swiftly across the field before Jugraj Singh applied the finishing touch to make it 4-1.
Abhishek then got on the scoresheet with a superb reverse-hit finish following another flowing move initiated by Sukhjeet from midfield.
India continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with another penalty corner late in the quarter. After multiple saves and rebounds inside the circle, Rajkumar Pal reacted quickest to guide the ball home as India scored four goals in a devastating 15-minute spell.
Dilpreet completes rout
India maintained their intensity in the final quarter despite holding a comfortable lead.
Pakistan searched for a way back but found the Indian defence well organised, with their penalty-corner routines effectively neutralised.
The seventh goal arrived in the 54th minute when Mandeep burst down the left flank before finding Dilpreet Singh, who controlled a bouncing ball brilliantly and finished from close range to cap off an excellent team move.
Pakistan threatened from a couple of late penalty corners, but India stood firm to preserve the emphatic scoreline.
India climb in standings
The result gives India a significant boost ahead of their final FIH Pro League fixture against England on Sunday.
The victory takes India above Spain in the points table with 17 points, while Pakistan’s search for a first win of the season continues.
More importantly for coach Craig Fulton, the performance demonstrated marked improvement in two areas that had come under scrutiny in recent matches — penalty-corner conversion and defensive organisation.
Conclusion
India’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Pakistan was one of their finest performances of the FIH Pro League season, showcasing attacking flair, clinical finishing and defensive discipline. The result not only strengthens India’s position in the standings but also provides valuable momentum ahead of their final match against England.