Indian Women's Hockey Team lose 2-3 in a tight fourth game to draw the friendly series against Australia in Perth
Perth, May 30
The Indian Women's Hockey Team concluded their four-match friendly series against Australia with a close 2-3 defeat in the fourth and last game in Perth on Saturday, which meant that the series ended in a 2-2 draw.
India came out strongly in the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in just the second minute when Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner to put early pressure on Australia. In the second quarter, Deepika Soreng (23') doubled India's lead with a neat conversion.
It remained 2-0 at half-time.
Australia fought back in the third quarter, pulling level through Abby Wilson (42') and Olivia Downes (44') in quick succession. A late strike from Courtney Schonell (58') gave the hosts a narrow 3-2 win in the dying minutes.
Despite the result in the final game, India can take plenty of positives from the tour. Having bounced back from an opening-game defeat to win the next two matches, the team demonstrated resilience, tactical discipline and a potent attacking threat throughout the series - continuing to build ahead of the upcoming season that begins with the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand.
Earlier women's team registered an impressive 2-0 victory over Australia in the third match of the friendly.
With this win, India now lead the four-match series 2-1 after bouncing back from a defeat in the opening game with a 4-2 shootout victory in the second match.
The third match between the two sides witnessed a disciplined defensive display from both the teams as the first two quarters saw no goals, and it remained 0-0 at half-time. India eventually found the breakthrough in the third quarter when Sonam (36') scored a field goal to put the visitors ahead.
India continued their momentum in the final quarter as Lalremsiami (49') doubled the lead with another field goal, sealing a 2-0 win for her team.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Close game, but I'm disappointed we couldn't close it out. We were 2-0 up at halftime and then conceded three goals in the second half. Fitness and composure in crucial moments need improvement. Still, proud of the team – this series will give them confidence for the Nations Cup. 👌
Excellent series! The way we bounced back from that first match loss shows the mental toughness this team has developed. Deepika Soreng's goal was brilliant. And to think we're building for the Nations Cup in New Zealand – this is exactly the kind of preparation we needed. Kudos to the coaching staff! 🙌
Mixed feelings. Happy we drew the series, but that last goal in the 58th minute hurts. Australia know how to grind out results – that's the experience gap. Our girls need to learn to kill games off. But take the positives: two wins, one shootout victory, and a draw. Solid progress for Indian women's hockey. 🇮🇳🏑
Sonam and Lalremsiami were absolute stars in that third match win. That 2-0 victory was pure class – disciplined defence and clinical finishing. If we can replicate that performance consistently, we'll be a force in New Zealand. The future is exciting for Indian hockey, both men's and women's. 💪
Great fight from the girls! To come back from 0-1 down in the series to take a 2-1 lead before this final match was brilliant. Yes, losing the last game stings, but we were
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