FAISALABAD, Feb 23: A rejuvenated India defeated Pakistan 2-1 on Friday in the fifth hockey Test — the visitors first win in the six-match series. After losing all their three home games and drawing the fourth Test at Lahore 1-1 on Wednesday, India scored twice in the second half on Friday at Faisalabad Hockey Stadium after trailing 1-0 at halftime.

Pakistan defender Imran Warsi put Pakistan on the scoring sheet in the 28th minute through his flashing push off his team’s first short corner that deceived diving Indian goalkeeper Bharat Kumar.

Indian forwards — Tajber Singh, Didar Singh and Shivender Singh — wasted at least five field goals in the first half and the visitors also could not convert any of the two short corners.

India forced four penalty corners inside the first five minutes of the second half in search of an early equalizer, but Pakistan goalkeeper Nasir Ahmad kept his cool under the bar.

Rajpal Singh finally got an equalizer in the 55th minute off an acute angle from the left after initiating a brilliant combined move with midfielder V. S. Vinay.

India built the pressure in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Kanwalpreet Singh scored through an indirect attempt off his team’s ninth penalty corner.

The sixth and final Test match will be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

Pakistan coach Asif Bajwa and captain Mohammad Saqlain said new players had been given an opportunity to play and hone up their skills for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

Both expressed “satisfaction” over the performance of youngsters and added it would help them gain confidence and prepare themselves for the upcoming international events.

“Our players played well but Indian players performed better to win this match,” they said at post-match press conference.

India coach Rajinder Singh said Indian team had gained confidence and hoped to win the last match of the series in Rawalpindi.

Commenting on earlier defeats he said India lost first three matches as the players failed to capitalise the chances.

However, the coach believed, their finishing touches were excellent during Faisalabad match which resulted in the victory.

He thanked the supportive crowd which, he said, helped both sides to give their best.

Singh said professionalism in hockey was growing which would make a good impact on the game.—AP/APP