India vs Pakistan: India and Pakistan are going to meet again in the Men’s Hockey World Cup (Hockey World Cup 2026). The memories of the two teams’ last meeting before this high-voltage group match on Wednesday are still fresh. Just two months ago, India (Indian Hockey Team) virtually blew away Pakistan in the FIH Pro League. Harmanpreet Singh’s team won that match 7-1 in London.
Pakistan was ahead in the beginning
However, the start was not for India in the India-Pakistan match in London on June 26. After 13 minutes, captain Abu Bakar Mahmud gave Pakistan a lead with a quick drag-flick from the penalty corner. Pakistan maintained that lead in the first quarter. But the picture of the match changed completely from the second quarter.
India returned to the match with Sukhjit’s goal
After 20 minutes, Sukhjit Singh’s deflection equalized for India. After just six minutes, Harmanpreet Singh’s perfect drag-flick put the Indian team ahead 2-1. After that, Harmanpreet did not allow Pakistan to return to the match. Gradually India took control of the match.
The turning point of the match was in the third quarter
India increased the gap at the beginning of the third quarter. Hardik Singh scored from the penalty stroke. Just one minute after that, Jugraj Singh scored the ball in Pakistan’s net from a quick counter attack. Then Abhishek and Rajkumar Pal also scored. As a result, the match was virtually in India’s hands before going into the last quarter.
Seven goals in 54 minutes
Dilpreet Singh scored the seventh goal for India in the 54th minute of the match. As a result, India secured a huge victory with a margin of 7-1. Seven different players scored India’s seven goals in this match. The way India took control of the match despite falling behind early on was a testament to their dominance.
Second win in three days
It was India’s second win against Pakistan in the London leg. Just three days before that, India beat Pakistan 4-3 in the first match. That is, Harmanpreet Singh’s team got two consecutive victories against Pakistan in the same match. However, the 7-1 win in the second match was much more one-sided and lopsided.
Pakistan is desperate to take revenge in the World Cup
Pakistan now has the opportunity to avenge that loss on the stage of the World Cup. On the other hand, India will want to go into the field with the confidence of their recent dominance. This group stage match is very important for both the teams. So, how much Pakistan can turn around after the 7-1 result in London and whether India can maintain that power or not, all eyes will be on that.