With three wins and a draw, India are atop the table with 10 points, followed by Malaysia (9 points), South Korea (5), Pakistan (5), Japan (2) and China (1). Even though both India and Pakistan have won the title three times each, going by current ranking and world stature, India will definitely start as favourites on Wednesday
While India are ranked fourth in the world, Pakistan are way below in the 16th position. But ranking hardly matters when it comes to a high-profile India-Pakistan contest and the result could eventually be decided on which team handles pressure the best. While Harmanpreet Singh and his men have been playing attacking hockey and have improved the strike rate of short corners, India will have to strengthen their defense ahead of the business end of the tournament.
A day's rest after back-to-back matches will definitely help both India and Pakistan. Elaborating on the challenges of playing matches on consecutive days, India head coach Craig Fulton said: "It's a hindrance for every team in the event, because if you check the scores of the team playing the next day, they have mostly been draws.
Pakistan will be going into the match against India on the back of a narrow 2-1 win over China which helped them to stay in contention for a semifinal place. However, the team was found wanting in their finishing abilities, something which it would have to improve when it takes on the hosts. The intensity is always high when it comes to any Indo-Pak match, and the visitors will have to keep their nerves in control in front of a vociferous Indian crowd.
For India, it would be a battle for the top spot against Malaysia. However, there is a strong chance that India might face off against Pakistan in the semifinal, as the table toppers take on the fourth-placed side in the last four. The team which finishes second will play third spot side on Friday
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