Pakistan dish out 3-1 hammering to India

Asian champions Pakistan came from behind to destroy rivals and joint-holders India 3-1 with a masterly second-half performance on Wednesday in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Earlier, World Champions Australia proved they are the team to beat with a well-crafted 4-2 victory over South Korea, who claimed the title last year with India when the final was washed out.

The Indians were the better side in the first-half and deservedly took a 1-0 lead through Rupinder Pal Singh in the 22nd minute before Pakistan found their rhythm in the second period to score three goals through Muhammad Zubair (49’), Muhammad Imran (55’) and finally Sohail Abbas (57’) and collected full points.

A resurgent Pakistan now have nine points and are third in the table behind leaders Australia, who have ten points, and Great Britain, also on nine.

Pakistan team manager K. M. Junaid said: “The second-half made all the difference. We went at them all the way.”