Pak jinx broken, India look ahead

Sandeep and Diwakar strike early in 2-1 win, India8217;s first over the arch-rivals at Azlan Shah meet after 17 years.

India thwarted a series of late charges from Pakistan to notch up a stunning 2-1 win over the arch-rivals and stay in contention for the title in the Azlan Shah hockey tournament here today.

Drag-flickers Sandeep Singh 6th minute and Diwakar Ram 20th scored a goal apiece while veteran Pakistani mid-fielder Mohammad Saqlain 58th netted the lone goal for his side. With their third straight win in the tournament, India now have nine points from five matches. The Indians were in an attacking mode from the beginning and Shivendra Singh led the forwardline with command producing two good chances that went abegging. But in the sixth minute, Sandeep unleashed a power-packed shot to convert India8217;s first penalty corner and give his side 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later, Sandeep had another chance to shoot at the Pakistani post, but this time rival goal-keeper Rashid had no problem in palming it away. Banking on the third short corner, Diwakar Ram brought the second goal for India. With both Sandeep and Diwakar on guard, the Pakistanis were in doubt on whom to tackle and the Diwakar fired his shot which hit Rashid8217;s shoulder before deflecting to the roof of the net.

The amateurish-looking Pakistanis were completely off-colour in their approach. While the defenders were too cautious, the attackers were half-hearted and tentative. They wasted as many as four penalty corners in the first half.

Pakistan8217;s best chance of the session came towards the end when the experienced Saqlain sent in a beautiful cross to Waqas Akbar at the top of the circle but the latter failed to score. They were more aggressive in the second half and created several forays without success.

The Pakistani forwards, who found some rhythm after the change of ends, showed more urgency but were let down by untidy finishing and a never-say-die Indian defence. Pakistan finally pulled one off in the 58th minute when they got a penalty stroke and Saqlain easily put it past Adrian.

A minute later, deliberate blocking of Sunil brought another penalty corner for India, but Diwakar8217;s low drag-flick hit the Pakistan goal-keeper8217;s heel to narrowly miss the target. Adrian then warded off at least three attempts from the Pakistani forwards to ensure India came away with full points. India meet hosts Malaysia in their last league engagement on Saturday.