India began with a 3-1 win over Wales but were beaten 2-4 by world No. 3 England after conceding three second-half goals. Coach Craig Fulton will be particularly concerned by defensive lapses and India’s poor penalty-corner conversion, having scored only once from four chances against England.
Pakistan have endured an equally difficult campaign, losing 1-4 to England before drawing 3-3 with Wales. Their defence and penalty-corner execution have lacked consistency.
India, however, enter the contest with a strong recent record against their arch-rivals. They defeated Pakistan twice in the Pro League earlier this year and have remained unbeaten against them since the 2016 Champions Trophy.
India’s Manpreet Singh has warned against complacency, stressing the need to limit Pakistan’s penalty-corner opportunities. Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood, meanwhile, believes rankings and past results will count for little once the match begins.
