India wasted away a good start to go down 3-4 to Pakistan on Sunday and finish at the bottom of the table in the six-nation Champions Trophy [Images] tournament in Chennai.

After leading 2-1 at half-time, India let Pakistan into the game, their defence falling apart as Pakistan upped the momentum.

India took the lead through Kanwalpreet Singh off a penalty corner in the second minute and added to their tally when Prabhjot Singh trapped a high ball and sent it into the net.

Pakistan got on the board when Mohammed Imran drag-flicked the ball just under the cross bar a minute before half-time.

But the visitors came back strongly in the second-half, scoring through Akhtar Ali (39), Mohammed Saqlain (48) and Rehan Butt (63) to lead 4-2.

India captain Gagan Ajit Singh closed the gap as he deflected the ball past Pakistan goal-keeper Nasir Ahmed. The latter came up with an outstanding save in the last minute to deny India the equaliser.

India, who were in the tournament on the virtue of being the hosts, have lost out on a berth for the next edition by finishing last.

Australia [Images] and Netherlands will face off in the championship match later in the evening.

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