New Delhi, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 encounter on Wednesday to advance to the second round, while the result ended Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored twice each, while Hardik Singh added another goal for India. Pakistan’s goals came from Hannan Shahid, who scored twice, and Sufyan Khan.
Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the fifth minute, converting India’s first penalty corner with a powerful drag flick into the bottom-right corner. Abhishek then doubled the advantage six minutes later after a fine individual run and skillful play around the Pakistan goal.
Harmanpreet struck again in the 21st minute, finishing from close range after a penalty-corner variation. Pakistan responded almost immediately, with Hannan Shahid producing a superb solo effort to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
The fourth goal of the match came in the 24th minute when Abhishek completed another impressive individual move. Pakistan hit back soon afterwards as Sufyan Khan converted their first penalty corner, leaving India 4-2 ahead at half-time.
India began the second half strongly and earned a penalty stroke within five minutes of the restart after Sukhjeet Singh was brought down following a dangerous challenge by Arshad Liaqat. Hardik Singh converted the opportunity to restore India’s three-goal cushion.
India controlled much of the third quarter, but Pakistan raised the tempo in the final period. Hannan Shahid scored his second goal after breaking through one-on-one with Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, cutting the deficit to 5-3.
Pakistan pressed hard in the closing stages, creating a tense finish, but India held firm to secure the victory and progress to the second round.
Earlier in the day, England defeated Wales 8-2 to finish top of the group. England will carry three points and a +2 goal difference into the second round, where India and England will be joined by the Netherlands and one of Argentina or New Zealand.
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