NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways, won the three matches hockey series 21 over their counterparts from Pakistan here today, The Indian team once again established their supremacy at the Shivaji Stadium by a 22 victory.
‘The Pakistanis did not display any sign of being formidable. The Indians led by Pargat Singh were only a shade better. And that was perhaps the reason that the fare served failed to come up to expectations.
More than the strength one found a couple of weak spots in the Indian railways ranks and these should concern them especially as they are to defend their national hockey title after a few weeks.
Suspended Centre forward Balwinder Sigh was replaced by Munish Sharma, a player past his prime. He left much to be desired. In the last eight minutes he was substituted by CR. Kumar but the Railways will have to look for something better.
Pargat retains his solidity in defense and twice moved up with the ball, resulting in one goal. Mohammad Shahib made use of the chance thus provided. The inside left also exhibited his stick work in shaping the third goal. He left three Pakistani defenders stranded before flicking to Khandekar to tap the ball in.
Pakistan was the first to forge ahead in the 10th minute through inside left Waqar ‘Anwar who trapped a weak clearance and shot home.
But within two minutes the Indians were awarded a penalty stroke which Abdul Aziz converted to level A penalty corner at either end proved futile. Then in the 2ist minute Pargat worked his way up moved to the right and crossed. Shahid picked up the ball and shot home to give the Indian Railways 21 half time lead.
Had Khandekar shown better marksmanship the home team could have crossed over with a better margin. Shahid became prominent on resumption. Though earlier he was hit slow, in the last stages he showed the Pakistanis his mettle twenty-three minute safer the interval he helped Khandekar increase the margin to 31.
In the closing minutes the Pakistanis reduced the margin through skipper Majahid Afeal.
The Indians avenged the defeat in the last series between the two teams.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1989
