Pakistan’s campaign at the FIH Hockey World Cup ended with a 5-3 defeat against arch-rivals India in their final Pool D match.
The loss brought an end to Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the 16-team tournament. Pakistan had earlier suffered a 4-1 defeat against England and drew 3-3 with Wales.
India dominated the opening quarter, with captain Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty corner in the fifth minute before Abhishek doubled the lead six minutes later.
Harmanpreet added his second goal in the 21st minute, while Abhishek scored again three minutes later to put India 4-1 ahead.
Pakistan responded through Hannan Shahid, who scored twice, while Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner. However, Hardik Singh restored India’s three-goal advantage through a penalty stroke in the 34th minute.
Hannan scored his second goal in the 46th minute to reduce the deficit to 5-3, but Pakistan failed to find another breakthrough despite earning a late penalty corner.
The result saw India and England qualify for the second round from Pool D. England topped the pool after defeating Wales 8-2, while India finished second.
The match marked the first World Cup meeting between Pakistan and India in 16 years. India had defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi.
Elsewhere, defending champions Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by France in Pool B. Olympic champions Netherlands defeated Argentina 3-1 in Pool A, while Ireland beat South Africa 4-1 in Pool C.
