Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Oct 15: Defending champions India thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan 6-0 in the third pool match of the fourth Sultan of Johor Cup (Under-21) hockey tournament played at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here Wednesday.

"It's a good win but there's still a lot of areas to improve. I'm happy we didn't lose our emotions. The inputs given to the players were well executed by them," said India coach Harendra Singh as his team bounced back from Monday's 0-2 loss to Britain in an emphatic fashion.

"I have to give credit to my players. They switch from fast play to holding the ball very well. It was a display of maturity."

Things were balanced in the opening 15 minutes but the Indian Under-21 team threatened to score from their fast breaks.

India's persistence in putting their rivals under pressure and quick moves forward paid off in the 21st minute as Imran Khan converted a penalty corner after Pakistan goalkeeper Muhammad Khalid had initially saved the flick but had no answers for the rebound.

India doubled their lead through Parvinder Singh from open play in the 34th minute. He deflected in Gurinder Singh's cross.

Armaan Qureshi continued India's potency in front of goal through another field goal in the 49th minute.

India struck the board again just four minutes later, this time through Harmanpreet Singh from a penalty corner. Varun Kumar converted another penalty corner in the 67th minute.

India were not done though. Armaan bagged his second of the game from a penalty corner to make it 6-0 for India.

India will now take on Malaysia in their fourth match Thursday.

IANS