WEB DESK: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D clash at the Hockey World Cup on Wednesday, securing qualification for the next round as the pool’s second-placed team behind England.
India made a flying start, with captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring in the opening quarter. Harmanpreet struck again early in the second quarter to put India 3-0 ahead.
Pakistan responded through Hannan Shahid, but Abhishek quickly restored India’s three-goal advantage with his second goal of the match.
Sufyan Khan reduced the deficit to 4-2 before the end of the second quarter, which produced four goals in total.
India extended their lead once again in the third quarter when Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke to make it 5-2.
Pakistan continued to fight and Shahid scored his second goal in the final quarter, but India held on for a 5-3 victory.
The result sent India into the next round as the second-best side in Pool D, with England finishing top.
India had earlier beaten Wales 3-1 before suffering a 2-4 defeat against England. Pakistan drew 3-3 with Wales after losing 1-4 to England.
The latest defeat adds to Pakistan’s difficult recent run against India, who have also won their two FIH Pro League meetings in 2026.
