India – Pakistan at Junior Asia Cup
Unlike Senior Asia Cup, the junior version has proved to be a four-corner contest with Korea and Malaysia throwing fitting challenge to the hegemony of India and Pakistan. Malaysia hardly a factor insofar as the senior Asia Cup’s crown.
Against this context, today’s encounter between the neighbours India and Pakistan seems continuation of history, though rise of Pakistan at the cost of Korea may in the long run prove to be a watershed, as the former giant, now out of successive world cup and Olympics, is rebuilding.
First Junior Asia Cup was played in the last week of 1988 and first week of next year at Karachi. India, having lost to Korea and Pakistan in the last round robin match finished third.
Pakistan defeated India 3-0, which was in effect a final. But India and Pak did not meet.
At Singapore in 1996, India and Pak drew 2-2 in the final at Delta Sports Complex turf, but Pak emerged winners on penalties (7-6).
In 2000, both did not meet, India-Sk contest going the latter’s way.
Junior Asia Cup now moved to its birthplace Karachi.
Having won first three editions, Pakistan was looking for its fourth win in five appearances, but Harendra’s team had other ideas.
Led by Sandeep Michael, India comprehensively beat Pak to lift its first Junior Asia Cup.
Under Ajay Kumar Bansal, India retained the cup four years later in Hyderabad, but the final was against Korea.
Here in Hyderabad, India overcame Pakistan in a tough semifinal.
Pakistan raided early, but the efforts were not made use of by the sluggish forwardline, Indian defence also stood up, especially whenever the dangerous KSHIF Ali got a chance to drag flick, An early goal from Gurwinder Chandi and a brace from Diwakar Ram in the second half was suffice for India to romp home a comfortable 3-1 win. Kashif’s lone goal came in the second half.
Now, the Junior Asia Cup returned new home Malaysia, Malacca.
India lost the semis to Malaysia but before that India and Pak drew their pool match 2-2.
Dilber Mohd in the fifth minute put Pak ahead but Amit Rohidass evened it out shortly later. Irfan Md again gave Pak the lead only to see rival captain Akashdeep Singh coming with a peach of a goal in the 60th minute to see off the Pak challenge with a draw.