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The arch-rivals are set to clash in a high-octane clash at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, on Wednesday. England have already qualified for the next round, leaving just one spot vacant from Pool D. The scenario for the Harmanpreet Singh-led side is straightforward. A win takes them through to the second round, and a defeat knocks them out. India started the campaign with a thrilling 3-1 win over Wales; however, a 4-2 defeat to England derailed their campaign. For Pakistan, they need a win to keep hopes alive in the Hockey World Cup; however, that won't guarantee a place in the next round, and they'll need England to beat Wales to qualify. Should Wales pull off an upset, the second qualifier will be decided by the goal difference.

India Vs Pakistan Has Lost Its Unpredictability

Pakistan still have a better head-to-head record over India, leading 82-69; however, it's been all India in the last decade, with India winning 17 and drawing two games in the 20 matches the teams played since Pakistan's last win over India at the South Asian Games in February 2016. One was abandoned due to rain. The two teams recently met at the FIF Pro League in June, and the scores were 4-3 and 7-1 in favour of India. The historical data clearly puts India in the driver's seat ahead of the World Cup contest, but when it comes to India vs Pakistan, form and past records can count for little. However, former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar doesn't have great hopes for the underdogs. In an exclusive interview with Sports Now, Salman highlighted the one-sided nature of India-Pakistan matches in recent years and admitted that a Pakistan win would now be considered a major upset. "The beauty of the India-Pakistan rivalry was always its unpredictability. In sport, anything can happen. Even if one team is stronger on paper, once they come onto the field, either team can beat the other. But that unpredictability is not there anymore. If you look at the recent matches, you can almost predict the outcome. If Pakistan beats India now, I think it would be considered a huge upset and a big win for Pakistan." Salman believes the gulf between the two sides has grown significantly in recent years, but hopes that Pakistan can at least show some competitiveness in the upcoming contest. "I would hope that when India and Pakistan meet in the World Cup, we get to see good hockey rather than what I would call a 'tennis score'. The difference between the two teams has become huge. We can say that Pakistan has not beaten India for 10 years, but it is not only about the number of years. We have to look at the margins of defeat as well. For example, the Asian Games result was 10-2. When the scorelines become like that, they tell you everything."

What A Win Over India Means For Pakistan

For Salman, a win over India would mean far more to Pakistan than simply progressing in the World Cup. He believes the clash presents the Pakistani players with an opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage, reignite belief within the team and show that, despite the gulf in rankings, facilities and recent performances, they can still compete with and defeat India. "It would be a huge, huge win. If Pakistan beats India in this World Cup, I can tell you that the mindset within the team would be, 'Yes, we have achieved our goal in the World Cup.' For them, it would almost be the World Cup in itself. "If you consider Pakistan's current ranking, their performances in the past, the programme India is running, the progress India has made, and the difference in international rankings and performances, India is clearly ahead. And then, of course, there is the India-Pakistan factor. "Pakistani players always want to prove that they are good. The reason for this hunger is that they have not received enough international exposure in recent years. The Pakistani player is hungry. They want to prove to the world that they are good and that they know how to play hockey. Unfortunately, they do not always have the facilities and support around them that they need." Salman feels the lack of exposure and resources has only added to the hunger within the Pakistani camp. Against India, that motivation becomes even stronger, with players viewing the contest as a chance to prove that they can still compete with one of the world's leading hockey nations. "But when they come onto the field, especially against India, they believe they can win. This is not something new. From the beginning, Pakistani players have believed that they can beat India. "Even when the score is against them, they continue to fight. If it is 1-0, the match is still on. At 2-0, it is still on. Even at 2-1, it is still on. But when the score becomes 3-1, 4-1, 5-1 or 6-1, then obviously, mentally, you are in a very difficult position. "From a mental perspective, Pakistani players still believe that they can beat India. And because India-Pakistan matches at major events are unpredictable, we cannot ignore this game. You never know what can happen."

Pakistan Would Surprise Themselves If They Beat India

For Salman, Pakistan's biggest weapon could be its belief that India can be beaten. He feels that even a narrow defeat could give the team something to build on, particularly if they can stay in the contest until the final stages rather than allowing the game to turn into another one-sided affair. "If Pakistan can keep the scoreline close-say 2-1, 3-2 or 3-1-even if they lose, they may look at it and say, 'We are not that far behind.' That itself can become something significant for them. They might start thinking, 'We are there. We just need a little more support and better facilities.' "But that is not the right way to look at it. These are facts. I don't want to live in a world of dreams. We have to look at what has actually happened in the past and where Pakistan stands today. "There are two things. First, Pakistani players genuinely believe they can defeat India. Second, they know that if they perform well in this particular match and get an opportunity to upset India, they will give everything they have. "What bigger stage could there be than playing India in the World Cup and surprising them? They would not just surprise India; they would surprise the entire world. And I think they would surprise themselves as well."