Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India beat Pakistan 2-1

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front as the Indian men's hockey team thrashed Pakistan 2-1 in their final group game of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in Moqi, China. However, India had to come from a goal down to beat Pakistan remain unbeaten, heading into the semi-finals. 

India were unbeaten in the tournament, but the defending champions were shocked when Pakistan's Ahmad Nadeem struck early in the first quarter to give his side an unexpected lead.

India's defense faltered, allowing the early goal, but their attack-line quickly responded. Soon after, India earned a penalty corner, and skipper Harmanpreet Singh, calm under pressure, equalized with a powerful drag-flick. As the second quarter began, India intensified their attacking efforts, and it wasn’t long before Harmanpreet struck again, this time from the penalty spot, doubling India’s lead.

Despite Pakistan's late rushes, India’s defense held firm, securing their spot in the semi-finals with an unbeaten record. While India had defeated Pakistan 10-2 in their last encounter, this game proved to be a much more competitive and intense affair.