Indians impress again, but lose close game 2-3

Pakistan, who won the first Test at Karachi before losing in Quetta, now lead the series 2-1 with the fourth and final match of the Pakistan leg of the series being scheduled at Lahore on Friday.

After a dismal performance in Quetta, Pakistan pulled their socks up to emerge victorious here after Mudassar Ali Khan (15th) and Shakeel Abbasi (25th) gave them a fine start.

India, who struggled for ball possession in the first half, looked a completely different side after the break as they made a number of attacks on the opposition post.

Besides the two goals, which were the outcome of some beautifully executed moves by the young forwards, the side was unlucky for missing out on a number of occasions.

They failed to score even once from four penalty corners they got against their formidable rivals.

On one occasion, Adam Sinclair, following a wonderful move by Vikram Pillay and Sandeep Michael, hit the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Salman Haider only to see it coming back to play after hitting the post.

Earlier, India had a fine start to the Test as they earned a penalty corner quite early but failed to capitalise on it, thus losing a great opportunity to take the lead.

That was all the Indians could do in the earlier part of the match as their opponents slowly and steadily took control of the proceedings.

Pakistan played a much better game with their forwards making several dangerous moves.

Their hard work almost paid off when they earned the first penalty corner in the 10th minute. The fans cheered for Sohail Abbas when the penalty corner expert got ready to take the shot, but Dilawar Hussain erred in stopping the Rehan Butt push properly denying the ace drag flicker a chance to get closer to highest goal scorer Paul Litjen’s 268-goal mark.