Indian men’s hockey team defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a Pool D match at the Hockey World Cup 2026, securing a place in the tournament’s top eight. India played aggressively from the start and maintained pressure on Pakistan throughout the match.
India earned a penalty corner in the fourth minute, which captain Harmanpreet Singh converted to give India a 1-0 lead. In the 10th minute, Abhishek scored a field goal to extend India’s advantage to 2-0.
Pakistan created some attacking opportunities, but India’s defence prevented them from converting those chances. India ended the first quarter with a 2-0 lead.
India continued its attacking play in the second quarter. In the 20th minute, Harmanpreet Singh converted another penalty corner to put India 3-0 ahead.
Pakistan responded in the 21st minute when Shahid Hannan scored to make it 3-1. India restored its three-goal advantage in the 23rd minute, with Abhishek scoring his second goal of the match to make it 4-1.
Pakistan reduced the deficit again in the 24th minute through Sufyan Khan, who made the score 4-2. India went into half-time with a two-goal lead.
After half-time, India maintained control of possession while limiting Pakistan’s opportunities to score. Hardik Singh scored India’s fifth goal in the third quarter, giving India a 5-2 lead.
Pakistan continued to attack, but India’s goalkeeper and defensive line stopped most of its attempts.Pakistan intensified its efforts in the fourth and final quarter. In the 45th minute, Shahid Hannan scored his second goal to make the score 5-3.
Pakistan continued to apply pressure in an effort to reduce the deficit, but India maintained its defensive organisation until the end. The match finished 5-3, giving India the win over Pakistan.
India’s goals came from Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice, Abhishek, who also scored twice, and Hardik Singh, who scored once.
