The final of the inaugural men’s Asian Champions Trophy will be played between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at Ordos, China on Sunday (September 11). After their pulsating 2-2 draw in the group match on Friday, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter between the traditional rivals. The Asian giants emerged the top two sides in the tournament with 10 and nine points respectively after the round-robin league.
Pakistan, the Asian Games champions, have won three, drew one and lost one in five league matches while India have won two and draw three in their five matches. This will be the 149th international match between the two teams. Pakistan have won 75, India 48 in 148 previous outings between the two teams. Remaining 25 matches ended without a result. Pakistan scored 349 goals and conceded 278 goals.
India have won three, drew one and lost one in last five matches played against Pakistan. Pakistan’s only victory against India in last 18 months came in the Azlan Shah Hockey tournament at Ipoh on May 11, 2011. Malaysia and Japan will again play for the 3rd/4th position as they finished with seven points each. Malaysia scored thrice in the second half to score a superb come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Japan in the last league match.
South Korea will play China for the 5th/6th place after the two sides were locked in a 1-1 draw in Friday’s last match. South Korea had seven points, but an inferior goal difference (minus one) pushed them down the table.
Asian Champions Trophy: History on Pakistan’s side
