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Pak laud India's showing

August 23, 2003 00:21 IST

The Indian hockey team which put up a resurgent performance in the second half to beat Pakistan in the Champions Trophy has won the praise of Pakistan commentators.

"Unforced errors by Pakistan and a brilliant performance by India's Dhanraj Pillay and Jugraj Singh won the match for India," former Pakistan hockey ace Shanaz Sheikh told the state television while analysing the match.

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Noted Pakistan sports commentator Zakir Saeed, who hosted the show, also praised the way the Indians managed to stage a recovery and score some exiting goals.

"After making a good start, Pakistan lost its way mainly due to complacency. As a result, the team which covered Indian forwards Pillay and Co. well in the first half did not do the same in the second, which made the Indian attack more potent," the two commentators said.

"In the end too the Indians managed to hold the nerve and converted their corners while Pakistan failed," Saeed said.

In Islamabad, Pakistanis watching the match live in many restaurants and public places began celebrating as their team went up 4-2, but in the end they were deeply disappointed as the Indians recovered from the early reverses and mounted a major offensive to clinch the match.

Expectations were high in Pakistan as the team had fared well in its earlier matches and were in the reckoning for a place in the final before the match.


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