Young India team avoided woodenspoonist of the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, defeating Pakistan comprehensively 4-2, goals coming at regular intervals.
Playing its second match in 18 hours, after forgetting the last match’s 2-minute torrid time in which it conceded a stroke and thus failed to play for the bronze, India showed their grit and determination, which combined with class fitness, to outwit Pakistan, who had to bow down.
As happened when they met in the league, both teams struck early goals, but what ulmately counted was India could sustain their aggressive posture throughout the match, Pakistan could do so in patches only.
India came out strongly after the lemon time, which left Imran Md.’s Pak in tatters.
Captain Imran Md. struck off the team’s first goal in the 8th minute, but the lead did not last. Within two minutes Rupinder replied through a penalty corner. At the closing moments of break time, Akashdeep converted a long pass 2-1.
On return, Malak Singh deflected a Gurmail Singh’s long hit in the 46th minute, but within three minutes action replay saw Pak narrowing the score to 3-2.
The threatening Kasif Shah’s goal rendered only a stat, as Indians’ sustained attack got them first a penalty corner, which was changed to stroke on perusal and discussion between two umpires, which Rupinder converted for his sixth goal, and is definitely in line for top scorer’s award.
Pak finished last last year year also in the 7-nation event, and they need to soul search what ails them for such dismality.