Azlan Shah Cup: Pakistan play India today

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IPOH: The Malaysian city of Ipoh is going to host the biggest match of the Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament 2011 on Wednesday when Pakistan will take on India in a must-win match.

India have had a good run of form and fortunes against Pakistan in recent times as the Green Shirts have lost four matches on the trot played between the bitter arch-rivals.

However, absence of drag-flicker Sandeep Singh will dent India’s chances in this particular match while Pakistan are looking to come back on winning ways after losing two matches on the trot in the competition.

Pakistan started well with victories over New Zealand and South Korea with an identical margin of 4-2 but then lost to Britain by 3-2 before Australia outclassed them by 5-1.

Muhammad Imran, skipper Pakistan, while talking to reporters here Tuesday said that his team was determined to turn the tables against India. He said, “We are fully confident of breaking the jinx against India this time. The 5-1 loss against Australia will not hamper our performance. Tomorrow is the rest day and we will assess our mistakes and will do the best against them”.

India got the better of Pakistan in their last four games in the World Cup, Commonwealth Games 2010, Azlan Shah Cup 2010, and Asian Games 2010 but Pakistan are looking in a good shape after winning the Asian Games 2010 and with it an automatic qualification into the London Olympic 2012.

Imran was hopeful that absence of Sandeep Singh would help Pakistan’s cause in the big match. He said, “In almost all the matches last year, Sandeep got the initial breakthrough for India while our drag flickers could not avail the chances. Sandeep is not playing this time and our short corner is better than India. Sohail ( Abbas ) has got immense experience”.

Talking about the pressure, Muhammad Imran said, “Naturally there will be pressure. There is pressure in any India-Pakistan match. But it is wrong to say that they have an upper hand because of previous four wins. This is new match and what matters is the performance on that day”.