'Cricket mai Bach Gaye but hockey mai pele Gaye' - Fans react as India beat Pakistan in Hockey5s Asia Cup by 2-0 in penalties

In a nail-biting thriller, India beat Pakistan in the finals of the Hockey Asia Cup 2023 by 2-0 on penalties.

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Rohit Kumar
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India vs Pakistan

India vs Pakistan (Source: Twitter)

In a nail-biting thriller, India beat Pakistan in the finals of the Hockey Asia Cup 2023 by 2-0 on penalties. The table toppers gave a furious fight to the Men in Blue but failed to hold their nerve during the penalty shootout. After finishing 4-4 in regulation time, the game went on to shootouts, which India won amazingly.

Earlier in the game, India started on a high note with a fiery deep push in the Pakistani half. However, Pakistan retaliated and started pushing back from the left flank. Despite efforts from Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, Abdul Rehman scored the first goal for Pakistan in the 5th minute of the game. In a sudden response, Indian striker Jugraj Singh levelled the score in just two minutes.

Soon, India skipper Maninder Singh scored from the right flank and gave India a much-needed lead in the 10th minute. Pakistan didn't go down easily and retaliated with two back-to-back goals in the 13th and 14th minutes of the game. The match went into halftime with Pakistan having a 3-2 lead over the Indian team. However, this didn't shatter India's hopes, as they were back with a bang.

India made a remarkable comeback to stay in the game

As India required a retaliation, Pakistan struck one more goal with Arshad Liaquat's 19th-minute right flank push. 4-2 down in the game, India needed a push, which came from Mohammed Raheel. In the 19th minute itself, he pushed deep into the Pakistani half and struck to reduce the deficit. In the 26th minute, India got an equaliser as Raheel once again struck the opposition net.

With this game went the penalty, which India won successfully. India's Maninder Singh and Gurjot Singh demonstrated their composure as they calmly slotted the ball into the net, securing crucial goals for their team. The Indian goalkeeper, Suraj Karkera, showcased his remarkable skill by thwarting the efforts of two Pakistani players, Arshad Liaqat and Muhammad Murtaza. With this victory, India ranks first among Asian countries.

Here is how fans reacted to India's remarkable victory in the Asia Cup:

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