Pakistan 2-3 India Player Ratings: Blue Tigers Survive Late Scare As They Kick Off SAFF Championship With Important Three Points

India delivered a stupendous performance in their opening group stage fixture of the SAFF Championship 2026, as they put three past arch-rivals Pakistan to pick up important three points ahead of their matchup against Maldives.

The Blue Tigers thoroughly dominated the first half with 63% possession and had three shots on target, all of which resulted in a goal. Pakistan had no answer to India's attacking prowess, as even the 5-man backline couldn't resist the quality of the Indian frontline.

The Falcons didn't have a shot on target either until the 62nd minute, so one can say that Nolberto Solano's side were behind in every department in this game. India's first goal came from a quick presence of mind from Muhammed Uvais, whose long throw released Muhammad Suhail down the left flank.

His low cross was tapped in perfectly by Mohun Bagan's Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 14th minute. Just six minutes later, a defensive lapse saw Bhat getting played through on goal off a pass from Abhishek Suryavanshi, and the finish was equal to it.

Manglenthang Kipgen scored the third in the 32nd minute to put the game beyond Pakistan's reach. The Pakistan national football team did have a penalty in the 34th minute, as Mohammad Hayyaan Khattak was fouled in the box by Abhishek Suryavanshi.

However, striker Shayak Dost blazed his shot over the crossbar, adding more agony to the Pakistan team and the fans. The Indian national football team played the second half in a similar way, giving Pakistan nothing to play for. The Falcons found their way back in the 91st minute when Najeeb Ullah's towering header found the top-left corner.

Alamgir Ghazi's audacious receive and turn to find the far post did send shockwaves down the Indian fans, but there was little time for a third goal for Pakistan to clinch a point from the fixture.

Check out the Pakistan vs India Player Ratings below.

Pakistan Player Ratings vs India

Take a look at the Pakistan Player Ratings from the Pakistan vs India Player Ratings.

India Player Ratings vs Pakistan

Here are the India Player Ratings from the Pakistan vs India Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Suhail Ahmad Bhat was adjudged Sportsdunia's man of the match in this SAFF Championship fixture.

Worst Performer

Syed Ali Raza was the worst of the lot from Pakistan vs India.