Pakistan won their first medal at a Champions Trophy since 2004

The teams entered the game as equal adversaries with a 6-6 all-time record at the Champions Trophy and were so evenly matched that the game was too close to call until the final horn.

“This win means a lot to us. We haven’t had a medal at the Champions Trophy since 2004,” Pakistani player Shakeel Abbassi told the FIH’s website.

The teams exchanged goals in the first half. India took the lead when VR Raghunath scored off a penalty corner just seven minutes into action.

Pakistan got the equaliser with 14 minutes left in the half. Muhammad Rizwan Sr found himself alone at the top of striking circle and fired in a shot for 1-1.

Pakistan took the lead in the second half when Shafqat Rasool settled a bouncing pass and hit it in from point blank range for 2-1.

India’s defence in the second half came then kept Pakistan from extending the lead further, ensuring the contest was a nail-biting affair. However, Muhammad Ateeq sealed the Pakistani win with three minutes left in the game with a penalty corner. It proved to be the match-winner as India scored off a penalty corner marker at full time to bring the final score to 2-3.