India beat Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League to extend a decade-long dominance

India produced one of their most complete performances of the FIH Pro League season as they came from behind to beat Pakistan 7-1 to continue their decade-long dominance over their arch-rivals on Friday 26 June. After conceding a goal from an early penalty corner, Craig Fulton’s side responded emphatically with goals from Sukhjeet Singh and Harmanha, S. Dilpreet Singh to seal a commanding victory.

The win came less than 24 hours after India’s shootout loss to England and also avenged some defensive lapses in their narrow 4-3 win over Pakistan earlier in the week.

Pakistan struck first in the opening quarter despite India having the better share of possession. After India failed to convert three early penalty corners, Pakistan seized their opportunity when Abu Mahmood unleashed a blistering move from a set-piece in the 13th minute to beat goalkeeper Mohith and a linebacker to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

India continued to dominate the territory but fell short of finishing it off before finally finding an equalizer at the start of the second quarter. Harmanpreet’s penalty corner was cleverly deflected into the net by Sukhjeet who made a mistake in the Pakistan defence. Moments later, Harmanpreet rediscovered his signature touch from penalty corners, having struggled with his conversions in recent games, lashing a drive into the top corner to complete the turnaround.

Pakistan’s resistance weakened after defender Ahmad Nadeem was forced off with a painful facial injury, while India grew in confidence with Mandeep Singh orchestrating several dangerous attacks and repeatedly winning penalty corners.

“Unfortunately, the ball hit his eyeball (Nadeem’s injury). We will take him to the hospital and he will be x-rayed. We already have three injuries in the team, this is the fourth,” Pakistan coach
Khawaja Muhammad Junaid said during the halftime break as quoted by ESPN.

The third quarter completely belonged to India. They extended their lead with a penalty before producing one of the best counter-attacks of the game. After successfully defending a Pakistan penalty corner, India stepped up and quickly moved the ball across the pitch before Jugraj Singh finished to make it 4-1.

Abhishek then swung into action with a superb finish with a reverse strike after a smooth movement initiated by Sukhjeet from midfield. India continued to press and were rewarded with another penalty corner at the end of the quarter. After forcing several saves and rebounds, Rajkumar Pal was quickest to react inside the circle to guide the ball home as India scored four goals in a devastating 15 minutes to take complete control.

In the final quarter, India kept up the intensity despite maintaining a comfortable lead. Pakistan looked for a way back but found the Indian defense well organized and comfortable dealing with their penalty corner runs.

India continued to create chances and added a seventh goal in the 54th minute. Mandeep raced down the left wing before picking out Dilpreet Singh who brilliantly controlled the bouncing ball and finished off an excellent team move from close range.

Pakistan did threaten with a couple of late penalty corners, but India’s defense stood firm to preserve an emphatic score and complete one of the biggest wins over their neighbors in recent years.

The result gives India a much-needed boost ahead of their final Pro League game against England on Sunday, June 28, while Pakistan’s quest for a first win of the season continues after another disappointing outing.

More importantly for Fulton, his team has shown significant improvement in both corner conversion and defensive organization – two areas that have come under scrutiny in recent games.

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Published on:

Jun 27, 2026 0:29 AM IST