India edged out Pakistan 4-3 in a tense opening match of the FIH Pro League London leg at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, maintaining their long unbeaten run against their rivals, now extended to 18 matches over 3,784 days.
The game between the two sides, meeting internationally for the first time in nearly two years, delivered a high-intensity contest. Pakistan struck first against the run of play through Ahmad Nadeem in the first quarter, despite India dominating early possession and circle entries.
Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza made several key saves to keep his side ahead early on, including a notable stop against Dilpreet Singh. However, India equalised in the 23rd minute when Dilpreet set up Abhishek, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. Within a minute, India completed the turnaround as Nilakanta Sharma converted from a loose ball following a penalty corner.
India extended their lead in the third quarter when Sukhjeet Singh produced a powerful turning finish inside the circle. In the final quarter, Rajinder Singh converted India’s tenth penalty corner with a drag flick to make it 4-1.
Pakistan staged a late comeback, with Abu Bakar scoring via a deflection and Gazanfar Shakeel adding a third in the final seconds after a goalmouth scramble, but India held on for victory.
The result leaves Pakistan at the bottom of the standings with 13 losses in 13 matches, while India moved up to seventh with their third win in 13 games. India next face England on June 25, with the two sides scheduled to meet Pakistan again later in the London leg.
