India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling Pool D clash at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, securing a place in the second round of the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored twice each, while Hardik Singh added another as India raced into a 5-1 lead.
Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the fifth minute through a penalty corner. Abhishek doubled the advantage six minutes later before Harmanpreet struck again in the 21st minute.
Abhishek added another field goal three minutes later. Hardik Singh then converted a penalty in the 34th minute to put India 5-1 ahead.
Pakistan fought back through Hannan Shahid, who scored twice, and Sufyan Khan. However, India held firm during the closing stages to secure the win.
India finished second in Pool D behind England and advanced to Pool E with six points. Pakistan’s campaign ended after failing to win a pool match.
The victory also extended India’s unbeaten run against Pakistan in hockey to a decade.
