Colombo, Nov 01: India scored eight tries to brush aside Pakistan 52-15 in the first international rugby match between the two countries in Sri Lanka today. India also scored three conversions and two penalties during the game at Colombo's Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club Ground, while Pakistan managed two tries, a conversion and a penalty.
India led 27-10 at halftime, as captain Chaitanya Singh scoring two tries, with Emil Varthazerian scoring two tries and then completing the conversions.
For Pakistan 17-year-old Hammad Safder and Fouzan Wain scored tries, while Zaheer Niazi picked up the conversion.
The match was part of a regional tournament, which also includes three Sri Lankan domestic teams, hosted by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union.
"It was the first international game... And the boys have played their hearts out," Pakistani skipper Salmen Wain said after the match. "This is the initial stage of Pakistan rugby and we are certainly not down," Wain said, adding that only three clubs and less than 100 players play domestic rugby in Pakistan.
The 36-year-old said many of his players, including himself, had taken to the sport only in their twenties.
However he said that the sport is gaining popularity at home with schools introducing the game and the country's army also taking to the sport.
"I think the spirit in which the game was played was excellent...We are happy to emerge winners," said Singh, the Indian captain. Bureau Report