MEN’S ASIA CUP IN-FORM INDIA EYE ANOTHER PAKISTAN SCALP

Dhaka, Oct. 20: High on confidence after an impressive run of performances, in-form India will look to maintain their unbeaten run against Pakistan in their third and final Super 4 match of the 10th men’s Asia Cup, here on Saturday.

Barring a 1-1 draw against Korea in their first Super 4 match, Manpreet Singh’s side have been in red-hot form in the tournament.

The match against Korea seemed to have come as a wake-up call for the Indians, playing their maiden tournament under the new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

The Korea draw acted as a catalyst for India as they came out all guns blazing against Malaysia and routed them 6-2 in their second Super 4 match on Friday.

India top the table with four points from a win and a draw, followed by Malaysia (3 points), Korea (2 points) and Pakistan (1) from two games each.

And on Saturday, a draw would be enough for India to seal their place in the Sunday’s final as they have the best goal difference in the league.

The situation is far from rosy for world no. 13 Pakistan as they not only have to beat India by a big margin to get a chance to qualify for the final but their fate will also depend on result of the other Super 4 match.

The Indian strikers comprising Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, S.V. Sunil, Lalit Upadhyay and young Gujrant Singh have been terrific upfront.

The midfield has been held well by skipper Manpreet and Chinglensana Singh, while veteran Sardar Singh has done well as the central defender and the linkman between the midfield and the forwards.

In the other Super 4 game of the day, Korea face Malaysia.

India top the table with four points from a win and a draw, followed by Malaysia (3 points), Korea (2 points) and Pakistan (1) from two games each