As India took on Kazakhstan in their final Pool A game of the Asia Cup, the hosts opened the floodgates as they secured a thumping 15-0 win in Rajgir. It was a goal-fest for the Indian side as they put on a thunderous show, including three hat-tricks.
Abhishek Nain (5’, 8’, 20’, 59’) was the top scorer as he stole the show with four goals, while Sukhjeet Singh (15’, 32’, 38’) scored a hattrick along with Jugraj Singh (24’, 31’, 47’) who also netted a hat-trick. The goal tally isn’t done here; skipper Harmanpreet Singh (26’), Amit Rohidas (29’), Sanjay (54’), and Dilpreet Singh (55’) all contributed with goals as India piled misery on Kazakhstan. While India had already secured a spot in the Super 4s, the win helped them top Pool A, winning three wins out of three games.
From the very first minute India were in the driver’s seat, consistently dominating and dictating the tempo. While Kazakhstan tried their best to resist, there was a breakthrough within the first five minutes of the match as Abhishek found the back of the net. He then went on to double the lead just three minutes later followed by Sukhjeet Singh who made it 3-0.
Abhishek completed his hat-trick in the second quarter and the match turned into one-way traffic. Then Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Amit Rohidas all converted penalty corners in quick succession. By half-time, India had stormed to a 7-0 lead.
In the third quarter the visitors found no respite as Jugraj slotted another goal, a penalty stroke. Rajinder Singh followed with his first goal and Sukhjeet added another couple to complete his hat-trick. India’s attack was relentless, so much so that the pressure kept Kazakhstan pinned inside their half as the scoreline kept going up.
In the final quarter, Jugraj scored his third goal from a penalty stroke, then Sanjay and Dilpreet Singh added two more to the tally. Abhishek came up with his fourth goal in the final minutes, leading India to a commanding 15-0 win.
India now march into the Super 4s.