In a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan on 9th August 2023 in Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, the hosts defeated the Pakistani Team 4-0. This match led to the Pakistani team getting knocked out of the race to the Semifinals of the tournament. The Indian Captain, Harmanpreet Singh, scored two goals off penalty corners, Jugraj Singh also added to the tally. While Akshdeep Singh thrashed the last nail into the coffin.

As the first quarter of the game started, the Pakistani team started celebrating within 90 seconds of the clock, as Hanan Sakhid scored a goal that was later disallowed bringing a sigh of relief for the Indian fans and disappointment for the Pakistanis. The next few minutes were just free-flowing hockey, with teammates freely passing the ball to each other. Until the last few moments of the first quarter, India got its first penalty corner, leading to the captain not missing any opportunity to score a goal. The score at the end of the first quarter was 2-0 in India’s favor. 

The Second Quarter was no different for Pakistan. With the brilliance of Jugraj Singh, India scored another one in the 23rd Minute. Pakistan was struggling at 3-0 at the end of the 2nd Quarter. An Exit from the tournament for the Pakistani team was quite obvious by this time. With a brilliant pass from Mandeep Singh and a feather touch from Akshdeep Singh, the ball went flying into the opponent’s goal post. Bringing the scoreline to 4-0. Despite Pakistan showing intent in the first and second quarters, they were knocked out of the tournament with India marching on to the Semis. India will face the defending champions Japan in the Semi-finals on 12th August. 

At halftime, the Pakistani coach was obviously not pleased, and neither was assistant coach Rehan Butt, who referred to the first goal’s disqualification as a “contentious” decision. He believed it may have given his squad the early advantage it so urgently needed to put their more skilled rivals under strain. 

Coach of the India team Craig Fulton said, “That is what video referrals are for.” “Umpires announced their choice…We did a good job playing and defending. Therefore, it’s significant to us.