2 weeks ago
India Survive Pakistan Fight to Reach World Cup Next Round
India and Pakistan played an important hockey match at the World Cup.
India only needed a draw to move forward, while Pakistan needed a win to stay alive.
India started strongly and quickly built a 3-0 lead.
Pakistan then attacked more boldly and scored two goals.
India went ahead 4-1, but Pakistan again pulled closer.
The match became fast, messy, and difficult to control.
India stayed calm and scored once more through Hardik Singh.
The final score was 5-3, so India advanced to the next round while Pakistan was eliminated from contention.
India defeated Pakistan 5-3 at Wagener Stadium to advance to the next phase of the World Cup.
Harmanpreet Singh scored twice, while Abhishek Nain also scored twice for India.
India led 3-0 and later 4-1, but Pakistan repeatedly fought back into the match.
Shahid Hannan and Sufyan Khan scored for Pakistan during a frantic second quarter.
Hardik Singh’s late goal helped India secure victory after Pakistan made the contest highly competitive.
- Who
- India and Pakistan’s men’s hockey teams, led by India captain Harmanpreet Singh.
- What
- India defeated Pakistan 5-3 and qualified for the next phase of the World Cup.
- Where
- Wagener Stadium.
- When
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
- Why
- India needed only a draw to progress, while Pakistan needed victory to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
Key facts
- Final score
- India 5, Pakistan 3
- India scorers
- Harmanpreet Singh scored twice; Abhishek Nain scored twice; Hardik Singh scored once.
- Pakistan scorers
- Shahid Hannan and Sufyan Khan scored for Pakistan.
- Initial India lead
- India moved 3-0 ahead.
- Later India lead
- India restored a 4-1 advantage before Pakistan responded.
- Qualification
- India booked a place in the next phase of the World Cup.
- Next possible opponent
- The Netherlands were identified as India’s likely opponents on Saturday.
Quotes
Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia)
Official Twitter account of Hockey India
“India men's team defeated Pakistan 5–3 in a thrilling Pool D clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026!”
indianexpress.com
“Captain Harmanpreet Singh smashes a pin-point penalty corner.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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