R Ashwin in attendance for India vs Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy Hockey match in Chennai
India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin attended India’s final group match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 against Pakistan at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai. Ashwin shook hands with both the players of India and Pakistan before the high-octane match kicked off. Ashwin, a cricketing icon, took a break from his usual turf to support the Indian hockey team in this high-stakes match and his presence at the stadium is a testament to his love for sports beyond cricket and his unwavering support for Indian athletes.
India, captained by Harmanpreet Singh, has been showcasing remarkable form in the tournament, maintaining an unblemished record thus far. Their journey commenced with a commanding 7-2 triumph over China, and they have consistently upheld their winning momentum. Their lone stalemate occurred in a spirited clash against Japan, but they swiftly rebounded with a decisive 5-0 victory over Malaysia. With three triumphs from four engagements, India aspires to proceed to the semi-finals as the sole undefeated contender.
In contrast, Pakistan’s expedition in the tournament resembled a turbulent roller-coaster ride. Presently positioned fourth in the standings with five points, they find themselves in a battle for survival. A victory, or even a draw, in their showdown with India, would secure them a coveted spot in the semi-finals. However, a defeat-particularly a substantial one-could potentially disqualify them from contention, contingent on the outcome of the preceding China-Japan clash.
India vs Pakistan, Asian Champions Trophy: Live score and Updates
The historical rivalry between these two nations has yielded intense statistics. From their inaugural encounter in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Pakistan has triumphed in 82 matches as opposed to India’s 64, with 32 encounters culminating in draws. Notwithstanding, recent times have witnessed India asserting supremacy, boasting an unbroken streak of 14 victories over Pakistan.
In this tournament, India and Pakistan have crossed paths on multiple occasions, each nation clinching the trophy thrice. Their latest encounter unfolded at the Asia Cup 2022 in Jakarta, where they battled to a 1-1 draw. In the broader scope of head-to-head records, Pakistan maintains an 82-64 advantage over India. Nonetheless, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that India’s resurgence has led to an uninterrupted string of 14 triumphs against Pakistan, underscoring their recent dominance.
As the match began at 8:30 pm IST, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The Indian team, featuring a blend of youth and experience, was ready to give a good account of themselves. The players were excited at the opportunity and looked forward to playing in front of their passionate home fans, including cricketing star R Ashwin.
