Hockey: Indian women's team beat Australia in shootout to win second match of friendly series
Perth, May 27
The Indian women's hockey team secured a hard-fought win against Australia on Wednesday at the Perth Hockey Stadium to level the four-match friendly series 1-1. The visitors came from behind in the final quarter to force a 1-1 draw and then edged the hosts 4-2 in the shootout.
After an entertaining start to the game, Australia took the lead courtesy of a goal from Olivia Downes (10'). But the Indian team upped the ante by creating opportunities from a series of penalty corners and putting the Aussies under pressure. However, Australia remained resolute in defence. But the home team's resistance was finally broken as Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (46') found the back of the net in the final quarter, bringing India back on level terms.
The visitors prevailed 4-2 in the shootout with goals from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
The four-match friendly series between both teams commenced on Tuesday with a close encounter that saw Australia secure a narrow 2-1 victory in Perth.
India struck first in the opening quarter, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner to give her side an early lead. The Indian defence remained resolute for much of the first half, successfully maintaining their advantage through the second quarter. However, momentum shifted in the second half as Australia's Abby Wilson capitalised on two penalty-corner opportunities, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters to secure a comeback win for the hosts.
Earlier, the four-match friendly series commenced on Tuesday with a close encounter that saw Australia secure a narrow 2-1 victory in Perth.
India struck first in the opening quarter, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner to give her side an early lead. The Indian defence remained resolute for much of the first half, successfully maintaining their advantage through the second quarter. However, momentum shifted in the second half as Australia's Abby Wilson capitalised on two penalty-corner opportunities, scoring in both the third and fourth quarters to secure a comeback win for the hosts.
The third match of the series will be played on Friday, 29 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at the same venue.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Badiya khela! But ek baat samajh nahi aayi - pehle match mein penalty corner se goal karke bhi 2-1 se haar gaye the, jabki aaj penalty corner se goal karke draw kiya. Penalty corner conversion mein consistency chahiye. Phir bhi very encouraging performance! 🇮🇳🏑
What a comeback! Down 1-0 in the fourth quarter and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam equalizes - that's the spirit. Shootout mein 4-2 jeetna to team ki mental toughness dikhata hai. Proud of our girls! Yahan tak pahunchne ke liye bohat mehnat ki hai unhon ne. 👏
Only criticism - the defence in second half of first match was really weak, giving away two penalty corner goals. But they seem to have learned from that and adapted well in the second game. Professional growth is visible. Hope they continue this momentum in the remaining matches!
Jab tak Indian women's team ko proper funding aur grassroots support milega, tab tak ye consistent nahi ho paayenge. Ek friendly series jeetna accha hai but long-term planning chahiye. Still, today's victory deserves full credit - well played girls! 🌟
Ek he feeling: Gooseb
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