Harmanpreet (15th, 23rd minutes) converted two penalty corners, while Jugraj Singh (36th) netted from another set piece. India's final goal came from the sticks of Akashdeep Singh from a field play in the 55th minute. The result meant India topped the standings with 13 points from four wins and one draw.
It was an attacking start to the opening quarter from both the teams. Pakistan showed the early sparks by getting into the Indian circle on quite a few occasions. But the Indian defence held its composure to not allow any inroads to its neighbours.
Pakistan had the first shy at the goal in the form of penalty corner which was brilliantly saved by Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak. After three Indian attacking attempts from Karthi Selvam, Jarmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, Pakistan appealed for a penalty corner in the ninth minute, but the video referee ruled it against the Men in Green.
Just at the stroke of first quarter, India earned their penalty corner and Harmanpreet made no mistake by flicking it with a powerful low flick to the left of Pakistan goalkeeper Akmal to put India into lead. Although the second quarter began with an attack from Pakistan's Abdul Hannan, India quickly gained control with three quick attacks from Amit Rohidas, Mandeep and Sukhjeet Singh. In the 21st, Pakistan came close to levelling the scores with Abdul Rehman penetrating into the box, but veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh came out rushing to deny the visitors.
The Indians came up with a series of attacks with Shamsher Singh also making his presence felt in one of the four scoring opportunities that followed. India made the scoreline 4-0 in their favour in the 55th minute when Akashdeep deflected in Mandeep Singh's strike. India earned five penalty corners in the match and converted three out of them.
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