Asian Champions Trophy hockey: Favourites India look to continue supremacy over Pakistan

Unbeaten India faces arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated hockey match, with India holding the upper hand historically.

A semifinal berth already secured, unbeaten India will look to continue the winning run and supremacy over arch-rivals Pakistan in their last and most-awaited round-robin match of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir on Saturday (September 14, 2024).

With four wins out of as many games, defending champions India are leading the points table, followed closely by Pakistan.

Starting the tournament as clear favourites, Paris Olympics bronze-medallists India haven't disappointed so far, beating hosts China 3-0, Japan 5-1, trouncing Malaysia 8-1 before registering a 3-1 victory against Korea in their last match.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have been resilient in the campaign. Playing under the guidance of legendary forward Tahir Zaman, the Ammad Butt-led side has improved with every passing game.

Pakistan drew 2-2 against Malaysia and Korea, before beating Japan and China 2-1 and 5-1 respectively to climb to the second spot.

Going by recent results, India enjoy an upper-hand over Pakistan.

In their last meeting at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, India thrashed Pakistan 10-2. A few months before that, the Indians beat Pakistan 4-0 when the ACT was held in Chennai.