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Published 21:46 IST, August 9th 2023

India vs Pakistan: R Ashwin stands with Indian hockey team during national anthem

While Pakistan maintains an 82-64 advantage in their head-to-head history, India has demonstrated dominance by emerging victorious in their last 14 games.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
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India vs Pakistan
Ashwin during the ACT 2023 hockey match between India and Pakistan (Image: FanCode) | Image: self

India and Pakistan men's hockey teams are currently locking horns against each other in their final group stage match of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy 2023. The match is being played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai. This is a crucial match for the Men in Green as they must avoid a defeat in order to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament. India, on the other hand, have already booked a spot in the top four. 

3 things you need to know

  • India have been undefeated so far in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023
  • India won three games and drew 1. The draw came against Japan
  • India are one of the favorites to win the trophy this year

Also Read: Dynamics Of Hockey Won't Be Changed While Trying Out New PC Rule: FIH President

Ashwin cheers for Indian hockey team

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin marked his presence at the group stage match between India and Pakistan on Wednesday. He was seen standing for the national anthem alongwith Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Ashwin, who was part of India's Test squad for the two-match series against the West Indies, has returned back to the country following which he also took part in district-level cricket in Tamil Nadu.

During the two-match Test series against the West Indies, R Ashwin performed exceptionally well as he picked up 15 wickets to his name. Ashwin also contributed with the bat in the second match, hitting 56 runs in the one innings that he got the chance to bat. Ashwin finished the series as the highest wicket-taker. He picked up eight more wickets than the second-best on the list. Ravindra Jadeja took seven scalps in the series and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker. 

India vs Pakistan hockey clash

The encounters between IND and PAK in hockey have consistently delivered thrilling battles over the years. However, the world's fourth-ranked team, India, has largely held an upper-hand in this matchup in recent years. While Pakistan maintains an 82-64 advantage in their head-to-head history, India has demonstrated dominance by emerging victorious in their last 14 clashes.

Also Read: Asian Games: Indian Men's Hockey Team Clubbed Alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh In Group A

Currently, India has netted two goals in the ongoing game and appears to be in a favorable position to secure victory. The Indian men's hockey squad commenced their journey with a commanding 7-2 triumph over China, followed by a 1-1 stalemate against Japan. They continued their strong performance by securing a resounding 5-0 victory against Malaysia. Impressively, India remains the lone unbeaten side in the tournament up to this point.

Image: FanCode

Updated 21:46 IST, August 9th 2023