Wednesday 19 / August / 2026
AMSTELVEEN: India held off arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling Pool D clash at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Wednesday to book their place in the second round and end Pakistan’s campaign.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored twice each, while Hardik Singh added another as India survived a spirited Pakistan fightback in a high-scoring encounter at the Wagener Stadium. Hannan Shahid struck twice for Pakistan and Sufyan Khan added a third, but India’s early advantage proved decisive.
India made a flying start and took the lead in the fifth minute when Harmanpreet converted the first penalty corner of the match with a powerful drag-flick into the bottom-right corner.
Abhishek doubled India’s advantage six minutes later, producing a brilliant individual run down the left before weaving through the Pakistani defence and finishing clinically.
Harmanpreet struck again in the 21st minute. After his initial penalty-corner variation did not come off, the ball returned to the Indian captain, who unleashed a powerful effort to make it 3-0.
Pakistan responded almost immediately. Hannan Shahid showcased his pace and dribbling skills to score a superb field goal in the 22nd minute and reduce the deficit.
The frenetic action continued as both teams found the net again in the 24th minute. Abhishek completed his brace with another fine individual effort before Sufyan Khan converted Pakistan’s first penalty corner to make it 4-2 at half-time.
India began the third quarter strongly and restored their three-goal cushion in the 34th minute. Sukhjeet Singh was brought down following a dangerous challenge by Arshad Liaqat, earning India a penalty stroke, and Hardik Singh calmly converted.
India controlled much of the third quarter, but Pakistan returned with greater urgency in the final period.
Hannan Shahid scored his second goal in the 46th minute after breaking through the Indian defence and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera to make it 5-3.
Pakistan pushed forward in search of another goal and applied sustained pressure during a tense closing phase. India, however, held firm to secure the victory and advance to the next round.
The result extended India’s dominance over Pakistan at the World Cup. The two sides had also met at the 1973, 1975 and 2010 editions, with India winning all three encounters.
Earlier on Wednesday, England defeated Wales 8-2 to finish top of Pool D with nine points. India ended the pool stage second with six points and will now move into the second round, where they will be joined by England, the Netherlands and either Argentina or New Zealand.
