The Indian women’s hockey team delivered a gritty and determined performance but narrowly went down 2-3 against a formidable Australian side in a nail-biting fourth match of their Australia tour, held at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
In a match that kept fans on edge till the final whistle, India showed flashes of brilliance and resilience, clawing back twice but ultimately unable to overturn Australia’s early dominance.
The hosts struck early through Grace Stewart, who found the back of the net just two minutes into the game, capitalising on a momentary lapse in the Indian defence. Despite the early setback, the Indian team regrouped and applied pressure in the remainder of the opening quarter but couldn’t break through the Aussie backline.
The second quarter saw India grow into the game, displaying defensive solidity by successfully repelling a penalty corner and diffusing another set-piece threat in the final minutes before halftime. Australia went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
India found their moment in the 35th minute, when Navneet Kaur converted a well-earned penalty corner, bringing the visitors back into contention at 1-1. However, the joy was short-lived. Within seconds, Australia regained the lead with a swift field goal from Jade Smith, catching India off guard.
Australia continued their attacking momentum and extended their lead in the 42nd minute as Greta Hayes netted the third goal, putting the pressure squarely back on the Indian side.
Refusing to go down without a fight, India surged in the final quarter with increased possession and attacking intent. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Lalremsiami slotted home a goal to make it 3-2, sparking hopes of a last-minute comeback. But despite India’s relentless efforts in the dying moments, Australia’s defence held firm to clinch a hard-fought victory.
This closely contested match followed India’s 0-2 loss to Australia in the third game of the tour on Thursday, where goals by Courtney Schonell and Grace Stewart had secured the win for the hosts. The ongoing tour has included matches against both Australia and Australia A, offering India a vital test of its form and depth ahead of upcoming international commitments.
While the result in Perth may sting, India’s spirited display, particularly the fightback in the second half, will offer head coach Janneke Schopman and her squad some positives as they continue their preparations for future tournaments, including the FIH Women’s Nations Cup and the Asian Champions Trophy.
The final match of the tour is expected to be another intense encounter, with India eager to register a win and end the series on a high note.
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