High on confidence following an impressive string of performances, an in-form India would look to maintain its unbeaten run when it takes on Pakistan in its third and final Super 4 match of the 10th men’s Asia Cup here on Saturday.
Going by recent form and domination, India, the top-ranked side in the tournament, will start as overwhelming favourites against the world ranked 13 Pakistan.
In the recent past India has completely dominated Pakistan and the Manpreet Singh-led side would look to continue its stranglehold.
Barring the 1-1 draw against Korea in its first Super 4 match, India has been in red hot form in the tournament. It has scored some beautiful field goals and displayed what it is best known for, one-touch attacking hockey. The Korea match served as a wake-up call for the Indians, who are playing their maiden tournament under new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
They came out all guns blazing against the ever- impressive Malaysia in their second Super 4 match on Thursday. India sits atop the table in the Super 4 stage with four points from a win and a draw, followed by Malaysia (3), Korea (2) and Pakistan (1) from two games each.
And on Saturday a draw would be enough for India to seal a place in Sunday’s summit clash as it enjoys a better goal difference than any other side.
But it would be easier said than done considering that Pakistan has nothing to lose and would be keen to prove a point. Pakistan not only would have to beat India by a big margin to stand a chance of qualifying for the final but will also to pray that other results go its way.
With one foot in the final, the Indians cannot afford to take Pakistan lightly. Irrespective of current form, the result of any India-Pakistan hockey encounter depends on how well the teams handle pressure and emotions on the turf.
What has been the hallmark for India in this tournament is the performance of its forwardline. Strikers Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, S.V. Sunil, Lalit Upadhyay and the young Gujrant Singh have been terrific.
The Indian midfield has been marshalled well by skipper Manpreet Singh and Chinglensana Singh, while veteran Sardar Singh has done exceedingly well as the central defender.
Meanwhile in the other Super 4 game of the day, Korea will face Malaysia.
