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KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia): Pakistan managed a narrow 3-2 win over a second string side from archrival India in the Azlan Shah Cup Tournament at the National Hockey Stadium here Friday.

While Pakistan would welcome the three points that came with the win, they had difficulty in overcoming the Indian side, comprising of 10 junior players. "We allowed the Indians too much space in the first half but this was rectified in the second half," said Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans.

"Matches between these two countries always bring the best out of the players and it makes no difference if the players are from the junior ranks. We tried out some different tactics in the match and to me we are still experimenting hence our performance will see some ups and downs."

Pakistan had lost to India in the final of the Asia Cup at the same venue in September and also played second fiddle in the Afro Asian Games in Hyderabad last October. "Once again our frailties in the penalty corner defence was exposed and we need to improve on this aspect," said Indian coach Harendra Singh.

"The young players in the side showed much composure and were not overawed by the opponents and this is a good sign for Indian hockey."

Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner as early as the fourth minute but Sohail Abbas sent his attempt wide. But the master executioner was not to be denied as he converted the next penalty corner in the 13th minute to give Pakistan the lead.

India started playing with more purpose and against the run of play they found the equalizer. Skipper Dhanraj Pillay went on one of his trademark solo runs and released the ball to Arjun Hallapa on the right. Pakistani keeper saved Salman Akhbar his attempt but Baljeet Singh Dhillon picked up the rebound to put India on level terms.

India started playing with confidence and were duly rewarded when Rajpal Singh scored to put them 2-1 ahead in the 19th minute. But Sohail proved that he has not lost his scoring touch by converting Pakistan's fifth penalty corner in the 28th minute to put the teams on level terms going into the half-time break. And Sohail ensured that Pakistan won its second consecutive match by scoring off another penalty corner in the 50th minute.

Field Hockey -- Sultan Azlan Shah Cup results

Results from Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here Friday:

Pakistan 3 (Sohail Abbas 2, 28, 50) India 2 (Baljeet Singh Dhillon 15, Rajpal Singh 19)

Spain 3 (Victor Sojo Gimenez 13, Santiago Freixa Escude 42, 58) Australia 1 (Travis Brooks 26)