World Hockey League: India-Pak End Semis Battle in a 2-2 Draw

India equalised Pakistan in the 39th minute with Ramandeep Singh scoring two fine goals leading the match to a draw.

India’s Upadhyay Lalit vies for the ball during the mens Hockey World League semi-finals against Pakistan. (Photo: PTI)

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan ended the World League semi-finals match in a 2-2 draw.

Ramandeep Singh scored two fine goals at the KHC Dragons Stadium Antwerp, Belgium on Friday.

Asian Games champions India were threatening to score a late match-winner when their strikers thrice took shots at the rival citadel in the last three minutes during a surcharged encounter played at a brisk pace.

Pak’s Penalty Stroke and the India’s Equaliser

Imran’s two goals came off a penalty stroke in the 28th minute and through a rasping penalty corner drag-flick in the in the 37th.

After opening the scoring in the 13th minute, Ramandeep came back to score the eventual equaliser with an opportunistic flick into the net in the 39th minute. Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran scored twice.

The Indian defence gave a fine exhibition, but there were a lot of wayward marksmanship by their strikers. Pakistan too fell back to defend stoutly in the first encounter since the Champions Trophy semifinals.

Pakistan’s Dampener

• Both India and Pakistan built their attacks on counters and the period of clean tackling was disturbed when Pakistan striker Muhammad Rizwan Junior’s swinging stick hit Yuvraj Walmiki on his right knee. Yuvraj had to undergo a long period of ice-pack treatment on the bench before he was seen in action again late in the first half.

• Pakistan won that Champions Trophy semifinal contest at Bhubaneswar in December by one goal, but obscene gestures in the onfield victory celebrations led to suspensions of two Pakistan players.

The Scoreboard

India’s Ramandeep Singh (left) celebrates after scoring during the mens Hockey World League semi-finals. (Photo: PTI)

The draw gives India seven points from three outings in Pool A ahead of the fixture against World champions Australia. Pakistan now have four points from three matches, having lost the match against Australia.

India enjoyed some early domination in an exhibition of clean hockey by both sub-continental teams. India took the lead in the 13th minute with a diving deflection by Ramandeep, who capitalised on Gurmail Singh’s diagonal cross from left into the circle.

(With inputs from PTI)