Apart from the all-important goal, pushed in by skipper Sunil Chhetri during the first half injury-time, there was nothing much to separate the arch-rivals who are fine-tuning their preparations for the Incheon Asian Games.
The last 20 minutes saw India play with 10 men after Robin Singh picked up his second yellow for a clumsy tackle. The dashing striker, nicknamed 'Batman', got the first caution in the 31st minute after escaping one ten minutes earlier for a fierce slap on Pakistan midfielder Saddam Hussain.
Despite being a man down, India actually called the shots and looked like doubling the lead.
"We got some stiff resistance and that's what we wanted. Pakistan played well but I'm happy with our performance in the sixth practice match during the sixth week of our preparations," India coach Wim Koevermans said.
Analyzing the match, Koevermans admitted Pakistan began both sessions fluently. "They started both the halves as the better team but we fought back really well. Once we lost Robin Singh we had to defend for 20 minutes but during the first 10 minutes it didn't look like we were playing with 10. They came close in the last 10 minutes but then wasted three big chances at the very end," he said.
However, Pakistan had their chances to alter the script in the dying minutes. They rattled the Indians but failed to find the equalizer, wasting three goldenchances in quick succession.
The biggest culprit was their skipper Kaleemullah, who shot wide from close after being brilliantly put through by substitute Sher Ali. The striker survived a strong challenge from Lourenco and only managed to blast it wide, leaving an unmarked Mansoor Khan — another substitute — stranded on the left.
The visitors had three more chances, but luck smiled on the Indian defence. First, Muhammad Riaz failed to slot in and then an attempt off a corner kick only rattled the post.
Earlier, playing the 4-4-2 formation with Fransico Fernandes frequently joining the forwards, India overcame a sluggish start as skipper Chhetri found support on the left wing through Mandar Desai and a neat supply of passes from playmaker Lalrindka Ralte.
The Indian defence looked vulnerable whenever Pakistan threatened through Muhammed Riaz, Kaleemullah and Saddam Hussain. At the other end, India went close through Ralte, who combined nicely with Robin but India were denied by Pakistan custodian Muzammil Hussain.
India became more assertive as the match progressed and took the lead at the stroke of halftime. Ralte's corner kick in the first minute of added time was headed towards the goal by Lourenco and then flicked by Robin.
Defender Sandesh Jhingan and Chhetri stuck their leg out, but the latter succeeded in guiding the ball in.
Ashwini, Bencherifa in gallery
The opening India-Pakistan fixture saw some high profile guests in attendance to watch Sunil Chhetri and Co in action.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist and ace badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa came with her brother and friends and booked her place in the JSW box.
Also spotted were Pune FC's Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa and BFC's Ashley Westwood, who watched the match with his family.
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