DOHA: Defending champions India edged Pakistan 2-1 in a thrilling Asian Champions Trophy clash at the Al Rayyan Hockey Stadium on Monday.

With the win, India made it four wins out of four to go top with 12 points and qualify for the final while Pakistan are second, level on seven points with Malaysia who suffered a shock 2-1 loss at the hands of China on Monday.

Rupinder Pal Singh opened the scoring in the 36th minute and India doubled their lead in the 51st as Pakistan struggled to establish a foothold in the game.

They did reduce the deficit in the dying minutes through a penalty corner but it was too little too late for Akhtar Rasool’s men.

Pakistan face Japan in their final match on Wednesday with their hopes of reaching the final also depending on the outcome of the match between India and Malaysia on the same day.

Pakistan have a better goal difference over Malaysia but Japan are on a high after crushing Oman 7-1 on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan mounted a spirited fightback to come from 2-1 down to hold Malaysia 3-3 in an entertaining match while a dominant India humiliated minnows Oman 11-0 and China defeated Japan 4-2.