India are now unbeaten against Pakistan in their last 20 matches after beating their arch-rivals 5-3 in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
Photo : AP
The Indian men’s hockey team sealed their place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026’s second round after beating arch-rivals Pakistan 5-2 at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen in a high-scoring clash on Wednesday (August 19). The final game of Group D saw the Men in Saffron put up a dominant display and make a strong comeback after losing to England 4-2 on Monday (August 17).
The result means India finished second in their group with six points, behind England, who beat Wales by a thumping margin of 8-2 earlier in the day. This means that the 1975 champions will not carry forward any points to the second round, while the Europeans will start with three points.
The two teams find themselves in Group E and will face the Netherlands and either Argentina or New Zealand. The matches will take place on Saturday (22nd August) and Monday (24th August).
Harmanpreet, Abhishek Score Braces
It was the big guns that stepped up for the Indian team as skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace with goals in the 5th and 21st minutes of the match. Both goals came from penalty corners. Abhishek also scored twice in the 11th and 24th minutes. Both his efforts were field goals. Hardik also found the back of the net in the 35th minute from a penalty stroke.
Meanwhile, Hannan Shahid scored twice for the Men in Green with goals in the 22nd and 46th minutes. Sufyan Khan also scored in the 25th minute in a frantic second quarter.