Moqi (China), Sep 13
The most-awaited dual in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy is finally here, with India taking on nemesis Pakistan on Saturday here at Moqi Hockey Training Base.
While India, led by ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, will go into the match as table toppers, Ammad Butt-led Pakistan will take on India as an unbeaten side placed no.2 in the points table.
Defending Champions India have played the tournament as true favourites, clinching each match with confidence and charisma. They have beaten hosts China 3-0 in their first match, beat Japan 5-1 in their second, trounced Malaysia 8-1 in their third match and clinched a 3-1 win against Korea in their previous match.
India was the first team in the tournament to book a place in the semifinal and they have thoroughly enthralled the hockey-loving spectators in Hulunbuir in their pursuit.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have been resilient in this campaign. Playing under the watchful guidance of hockey legend Tahir Zaman, they have improved by every passing game. They drew 2-2 against Malaysia and Korea, beat Japan 2-1 and China 5-1 to climb up to the second spot in the points table.
While both share on-field rivalry like no other in global hockey, off-the-field, both teams are believed to share a special bond. India skipper Harmanpreet said, "I have been playing with some of the players in the Pakistan team since my junior days and we share a special bond with them. They are like my brothers. Of-course, on the field, we will go about the match like we would against any other opponent and make sure we keep our emotions in check."