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Big day is here - stage set for Pakistan-India clash in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

Big day is here - stage set for Pakistan-India clash in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

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In its fourth match of the event, Pakistan beat China by 2-1 on Monday

CHENNAI, India (Web Desk) - In the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, Pakistan will play its fifth match against arch-rival India in Chennai today (Wednesday). 

Earlier, in its fourth match of event, Pakistan beat China by 2-1 at Chennai, while India beat South Korea by 3-2 and Malaysia defeated Japan by 3-1 goals. 
This was Pakistan's first victory in the champions trophy hockey tournament.

The Green Shirts need to avoid defeat in the match to qualify for the semi-finals. On the other hand, India have already booked their spot in the last four.

Pakistan will also qualify for the semis if Japan isn’t able to beat China during the first match of the day.  Meanwhile, Korea's defeat against Malaysia will also favour Pakistan but to qualify for the semis, Pakistan will have to be ahead on goal average. Pakistan is currently on fourth position on points table with five points after four games. Pakistan have won one match, lost one and drew two.

 

In an earlier match, Malaysia beat Pakistan by 3-1 goals in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy on Thursday.

Here is the latest points position in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: 

 

In the first quarter, Malaysia displayed some attacking game, as they made the circle penetrations but couldn't find a decisive touch. Malayasia won a penalty corner in the seventh minute, but Akmal Hussain thwarted the effort.

However, Pakistan didn't shy away and went for the attack. In that process, they also got a penalty corner in the 12th minute, but the Green-shirts failed to take the lead. Pakistan got another chance two minutes later, but they messed up the move and the first quarter ended 0-0.

Just before the end of the second quarter, Malaysia finally got rewarded for the consistent attacking game as Faizal Saari ensured a finish to break the deadlock. In the next minute, Malaysia struck another goal to go 2-0 ahead at the brink of the half-time hooter.

Pakistan, playing at the international level after a gap of seven months, showed resolve as they began the third quarter in an attacking manner. In the initial minutes, Abdul Hannan got a pass in the circle but couldn't hold the ball. The Green-shirts made another attempt, but the Malaysian defence line was well organised.

Schedule of remaining matches

August 9 — Wednesday

Japan vs China

Malaysia vs Korea

India vs Pakistan

August 11 — Friday

Fifth place game - Fifth in group vs Sixth in group

Semi-final 1 - Second in group vs Third in group

Semi-final 2 - First in group vs Fourth in group

August 12 — Saturday

Third place game - Loser semi-final 1 vs Loser semi-final 2

Final - Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2

Six teams, including Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia are participating in the event.

The 2023 Men's Asian Champions Trophy (officially known as The Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 for sponsorship reasons) is the seventh edition of the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, a men's field hockey tournament for the six best Asian national teams organized by the Asian Hockey Federation.

Chennai had earlier hosted 2007 Men's Hockey Asia Cup

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