India defeat Pakistan for perfect Diwali gift - Asia Champions trophy
India defeated arch-rivals and defending champions Pakistan in a thrilling final today by 3-2 to lift the Asia Champions trophy. Rupinder Pal and Affan Youssuf gave India a 2-0 lead, but it needed a Nikkin Thimmaiah goal with 8 minutes to go after Pakistan managed to draw par in the third quarter.
The last five matches between the two rivals saw them share the honors with 2 wins each with 1 ending in a draw. However, India's two wins have come in the last two matches including the 5-1 hiding they gave Pakistan in the Azlan Shah Cup last year and the 3-2 comeback from behind win in the round-robin match last week. In that 3-2 win, India had given up the lead after an initial goal by Pardeep Mor, but Rupinder Pal Singh and Ramandeep scored in the third quarter to take India to a win over their bitter rivals.
In the semifinals, India had edged out Korea in a thrilling 2-2 (5-4)match, while Pakistan had edged out hosts Malaysia 1-1 (3-2) in the other one.
To follow a blow-by-blow account of the match, read it here.