Ipoh (Malaysia), Apr. 11 : India defeated arch rivals Pakistan 2-1 to reach the finals of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament here on Saturday.

Both the teams were locked 1-1 till the 59th minute of the game, but a superb goal by Sandeep Singh in the 60th minute ensured India a berth in the final of the tournament which would be played on Sunday.

Singh, the leading scorer for India in the tournament, scored the first goal of the match in the 28th minute, but Pakistan's Mohammad Saqlain helped his country draw level in the second half.

Pakistan displayed some urgency in its game in the second half as it tried to dominate the game, but could not break the solid Indian defence.

The final few minutes of the match saw Pakistan giving its all, and India defending its lead splendidly, and finally it was India which emerged victorious after the final hooter was blown. (ANI)