From the opening whistle, India asserted complete control over proceedings, forcing Kazakhstan deep into defence with sustained pressure. The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when Shahrukh Ali unleashed a powerful strike from inside the circle to open the scoring. Just two minutes later, Prahalad Rajbhar doubled the lead in the 14th minute, giving India an early and commanding advantage by the end of the first quarter.
India continued their relentless assault in the second quarter. Captain Ketan Kushwaha converted from close range in the 18th minute after India regained possession high on the field. Gazee Khan added a fourth goal in the 20th minute to further extend the lead. Before half-time, India tightened their grip completely as Shahrukh Ali completed his brace in the 29th minute with a clinical finish, followed by Ashish Tani Purti converting a penalty corner in the 30th minute, taking India into the break with a dominant 6–0 lead.
The third quarter proved decisive, with India accelerating further through a flurry of goals. Ansh Bahutra struck twice, in the 31st and 44th minutes, both from penalty corner conversions. Ashish Tani Purti completed his brace during this phase, while Ketan Kushwaha added two more goals in quick succession, including a penalty corner, completing his hat-trick and further dismantling the opposition’s defence. India entered the final quarter firmly in control after a relentless scoring surge.
In the final quarter, India maintained their intensity. Akash Deep found the net in the 47th minute with a simple finish into an open goal, and Prahalad Rajbhar added his second goal in the 51st minute to seal a comprehensive 13–0 victory.
India will next face hosts Japan on May 31 at 1:30 PM IST as they aim to continue their winning momentum in the tournament.
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