Melbourne: Pakistan defeated India 3-2 to win the bronze medal in the Champions Trophy field hockey tournament. Muhammad Rizwan Junior, Shafqat Rasool and Muhammad Ateeq scored for Pakistan. V Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh were the two goal scorers for India.
Both teams started on the attacking note but it was India who drew first blood. Raghunath converted a penalty corner to give India the early lead. The goal was followed by missed opportunities at both ends. Pakistan forwards increased the intensity and that resulted in an opening and Muhammad Rizwan Junior made full use of it scoring the equalizer in the 22nd minute.
The first-half ended with both teams tied at one goal each. After the change of ends, India got an early opportunity earning a penalty corner. Raghunath failed repeat his magic as his shot was stopped easily. In the 41st minute Rasool scored a goal to give Pakistan the lead.
India got many opportunities but failed to score the equalizing goal. Pakistan extended their lead in the 66th minute when Ateeq converted a penalty corner into the third goal for his team.
India got the consolation goal in the last minute when Rupinder Pal converted a penalty corner.
Australia will face Netherlands in the final match to be played later in the day.
By Indian Sports News Network