India Beat Pakistan 5-3 in Hockey World Cup Thriller, Enter Second Round
Babushahi News Network
Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring thriller at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, securing a place in the second round and bringing Pakistan’s World Cup campaign to an end. (Al Jazeera)
The result was crucial for both teams. India needed at least a draw to progress, while Pakistan had to win to keep their tournament hopes alive. India eventually held their nerve to seal a memorable victory. (The Times of India)
India dominated the opening quarter and established an early advantage. Pakistan fought back strongly in the second and third quarters, making it a fiercely contested encounter. The match produced four goals in just nine minutes during the second quarter, underlining the intensity of the contest.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and forward Abhishek scored two goals each, while Hardik Singh added India's fifth goal. Pakistan's goals came from Hannan Shahid, who scored twice, and Sufyan Khan. (Gulf News)
India's victory saw them finish second in Pool D with six points, behind England, and advance to the tournament's second round. Pakistan, meanwhile, were eliminated after suffering their second defeat of the competition. (Al Jazeera)
The win also extended India's impressive recent unbeaten run against Pakistan in international hockey, adding another memorable chapter to one of the sport's most closely followed rivalries. (sports.ndtv.com)