Experience vs Youth: India takes on Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy

Chennai: With the final pool game of the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 on the horizon, the mother of all sporting rivalries, that is India vs Pakistan hockey match, is set to take everyone on a rollercoaster ride on Wednesday evening at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai.

India has won four times and drawn once in their last five meetings. But Pakistan holds the edge in the overall head-to-head record, with 84 wins in 178 games.

The last game played between both teams was a draw in Asia Cup with Karthi Selvam scoring for India while Abdul Rana scored for Pakistan.

India eyes consistency and improved defense

Indian coach Craig Fulton believes that his team has improved and all they need is to consistently play a similar style.

“Our priority is to improve the performance against Korea. With our preparations, I think we are ready to face Pakistan,” Fulton said in the press conference before the match.

“As someone who loves hockey, I am extremely excited to be a part of this historic rivalry. But at the end of the day, we are here to win three points and move to the semi-finals in a good position,” he added further.

Echoing his coach’s sentiment, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh said,“ It is important for us to stay focused and convert our chances. Along with that, we will look to not concede easy chances against them.”

While goals are not the problem for India, the defense has been shaky in moments, specifically in the closing moments.

Addressing the same issue, Harmanpreet said, “For us, the more important part is to finish strongly. Like it has been a pattern, we start strongly but our finishing needs to be more solid. There is a lot to improve and our defense is one of those things. As I mentioned earlier, We shouldn’t concede easy chances.”

India has won three games and drawn one in the tournament and comfortably sits at the top of the table with a berth booked in the semi-finals.

Pakistan looks to improve their finishing

Pakistan has sent a very young team for the tournament with twelve players coming from the team that finished as runner-ups in the Junior Asia Cup 2023.

“It is an important game for India and we will focus our energy on stopping them. They are a superior team and it is important to stay motivated before such an important game,” said Pakistan head coach Muhammad Saqlain.

Addressing his young team, Saqlain said, “In such big games, it is important to handle pressure and the ones who can hold their nerves come out as the better players.”

The inexperienced unit of Pakistan has played some brilliant hockey but failed to finish their chances in the final third. Pakistan has a total of 65 circle penetrations but they have scored just seven goals.

“We are lacking the front three. In the video sessions, we have done our analysis and hopefully, the team rectify their mistakes,” Saqlain said.

Umar Bhutta, a Pakistan skipper who has been part of the India-Pakistan hockey rivalry, wants his team to express themselves.

“We have a very young team and I want our boys to express themselves as they have done pretty well till now in the tournament,” Umar said.

Pakistan is precariously placed the fourth in points table with just one win from four games. Pakistan needs to win to secure their semi-finals berth or else they will have to depend on the permutations and combinations of the tournament.

Whatever may the result be, the hockey fans in Chennai will be up for an exciting match tomorrow.