An outstanding defence, propelled at the rear by inimitable goalie PR Sreejesh, helped India to mark its first victory in three matches today at the Azlan Shah Cup.

When India replied in the same minute that Pakistan took the lead through immaculate penalty corner conversion, a cracker of a match was expected, but it was not to be. However, for India which struck two more goals, each from Akashdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh, its first victory in three matches, and matches against Malaysia and New Zealand to come, its return to the medal prospect looks bright

Only Pakistan has to be blamed for the defeat, as its hard-earned penalty corners, six of them after the first one was made use of, went abegging.

On the other hand, Indian defence led by Rupinder and Harbir stood up to the task, and whenever they failed Sreejesh came up with usual extraordinary against Pakistan to let the ball go in.

With this win, India gets a lustre into its campaign.