New Delhi:: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh once again led from the front, scoring twice as India edged out defending champions Japan 3-2 to storm into the Super Four stage of the Men’s Asia Cup on Sunday.
Harmanpreet, who had already netted a hat-trick in India’s opener against China, converted two penalty corners in the 5th and 46th minutes, while Mandeep Singh struck a fine field goal in the 4th minute to set the tone. For Japan, Kosei Kawabe kept the contest alive with goals in the 38th and 58th minutes, but India held firm to secure back-to-back wins in Pool A.
With six points from two games, India sit comfortably on top of the pool, ahead of Japan and China, who have one win each. The hosts will wrap up their group campaign against Kazakhstan on Monday. The winner of the Japan-China clash will join India in the Super Four.
India looked sharper and more cohesive compared to their previous outing, launching waves of attacks early on. Their intent showed as Mandeep opened the scoring within four minutes after a neat build-up involving Harmanpreet, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh. Harmanpreet doubled the lead shortly after with a powerful drag-flick from India’s second penalty corner.
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, playing his 150th international, produced brilliant saves to deny Japan twice late in the first quarter, ensuring India maintained their two-goal cushion.
Japan pressed hard in the second quarter, earning four penalty corners in succession, but India’s defence held strong. After the break, Kawabe finally broke through with a sharp finish in the 38th minute. However, Harmanpreet restored India’s two-goal lead with another clinical flick just before the third-quarter hooter.
In the closing stages, Japan pushed relentlessly. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood tall with crucial saves, though Kawabe managed his second goal in the 58th minute. Despite late pressure, India closed out the match to seal their Super Four berth.
In the other Pool A encounter, China demolished Kazakhstan 13-1 to register their first win and stay in contention. Kazakhstan stunned China early with a 12th-second goal from Agymtay Duisengazy, but from there, it was one-way traffic as China piled on goals through Du Shihao (2), Qijun Chen, Changliang Lin (2), Benhai Chen (2), Yuanlin Lu (2), Jiesheng Gao, and Xiaolong Guo (2).
