s2h Team
Resilient India bounced back from 0-2 to 3-2 to ultimately draw Pakistan 3-3 in the crucial match of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia today.
With seven points in three matches, India is now at second in the pool table below Australia, which has same points but has plus 3 better goal difference than India’s.
Indians were struggling almost three quarters, having conceded a stroke early in the match. Captain Hamman Shahid hod no difficulty in beating Indian goalie Deep Singh Prince. Pakistan seemed determined then on, went on to dominate through turn overs. While, the Indians were patient and went on to build moves. What has kept Pakistan score intact was excellent Pak defence, were sufyan was supreme.
Sufyan, who would score a brace of goals through penalty corners, struck his first in the 39th minutes. It was a supreme going till then for the gifted rivals.
Then came the waves of Indian attack, got many penalty corners but could not beat the Pakistan defence. Both Haraijeet Hundal and strongman Rohit’s attempts were often met with clearance by the first charger or multiple blocks by the goalkeepers.
Then on India came on its own, getting dividends for their patience and continued attacks. India got a stroke in the 43rd minute when a defender on the right flank was bodily foiled.
Araijeet Singh Hundal scored (1-2) to start what turned out to be a great comeback.
India Pakistan at Sultan of Johar Cup 2025
It scored another goal within five minutes, Saurab Anand kushwaha tapping the ball in in a melee (2-2).
It drew appreciation from the sizeable Indian supporters. They got more when lanky Manmeet Singh put it across in a yet another melee. Having struck 3 goals in about 10 minutes, the Indians were leading for the first time in the 53rd minute.
Their desire to win the match met its nemesis when India conceded a penalty corner off Umpire’s own referral. Sufyan’s lightening grounder found home (3-3).
Before this India got three penalty corners in a row, and then one more. Rohit took them only to see cleared by either the rushers or the goalie. Its where India has to focus if it would want to aim for the crown.
Pics: Hockey India