Summary
- India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring Pool D encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Wednesday, ending Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
- India secured a place in the second round with the victory, while England topped the pool.
- Pakistan continued to fight and Shahid Hannan completed his second goal of the match in the final quarter, reducing the deficit to two goals.
India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring Pool D encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Wednesday, ending Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament. India secured a place in the second round with the victory, while England topped the pool.
The match was crucial for Pakistan, which needed a victory against its traditional rival after losing 1-4 to England and drawing 3-3 with Wales. India, meanwhile, had also suffered a defeat against England and entered the contest needing a positive result to progress.
India made an aggressive start and quickly put Pakistan under pressure. Captain Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring from a penalty corner before Abhishek doubled the lead. Pakistan struggled to contain India’s attacking moves during the opening quarter and went into the first break two goals behind.
Pakistan responded in the second quarter through Shahid Hannan, who scored twice, while Sufyan Khan also found the net. However, India continued to create opportunities and maintained control of the contest. Harmanpreet and Abhishek added to India’s tally as the two sides entered halftime with India leading 4-2.
India extended its advantage in the third quarter through Hardik Singh, who converted a penalty stroke to make it 5-2. Pakistan continued to fight and Shahid Hannan completed his second goal of the match in the final quarter, reducing the deficit to two goals.
Despite Pakistan’s late attempts to make a comeback, India held on for a 5-3 victory and secured qualification for the next stage. Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek were the standout scorers for India with two goals each, while Hardik Singh added one. Pakistan’s goals came from Shahid Hannan, who scored twice, and Sufyan Khan.
The result brought Pakistan’s 2026 Hockey World Cup campaign to an end. India finished second in Pool D with six points, behind England, and advanced to the second round.
After the final whistle, players from both teams exchanged handshakes, bringing the highly anticipated rivalry match to a sporting conclusion.
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