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The Indian women’s hockey team lost 1-2 to Australia in their FIH Pro League game, conceding a last-minute goal.
India women’s hockey team went down 1-2 to Australia. (PC: @TheHockeyIndia/X)
The Indian women’s hockey team played on par with the mighty Aussies but conceded a last-minute goal, much like their male counterparts, losing 1-2 in their FIH Pro League game on Sunday, June 15, in London. This was India’s second successive loss to Australia, having lost 2-3 on Friday.
India took the lead in the third minute with a field goal from defender Vaishnavi Phalke, ending the first half 1-0 up.
Australia equalised in the 37th minute through Amy Lawton. The game seemed to be heading for a draw until Lexie Pickering scored the winning goal from a PC variation in the 60th minute.
India began the game well, bagging three successive PCs in the first minute, putting pressure on the Aussie defence.
India maintained their momentum and scored the opening goal in the third minute. Forward Navneet Kaur advanced the ball and passed it to Sharmila Devi on the left, who played it to the far post for Vaishnavi to deflect into the net.
India continued to press, with Navneet missing a chance to extend the lead. Towards the end of the first quarter, Australia won two consecutive PCs, but India defended well to keep their lead intact.
Australia improved in the second quarter, creating goal-scoring chances. Both sides exchanged possession and battled in the midfield, but the score remained 1-0 in India’s favour at half-time.
In the third quarter, Australia dominated and troubled the Indian defence. Greta Hayes almost scored, but the ball was stopped by her teammate.
In the 37th minute, Lawson equalised with a powerful shot from the edge of the circle after winning the ball from an Indian defender.
In the last quarter, India earned a PC, but the Aussie keeper defended well. In the 54th minute, India won four successive PCs but could not find the net.
Neha’s shot in the third attempt struck the post after a deflection. With 34 seconds left, Australia converted a PC to complete their comeback.
Tatum Stewart passed to Pickering, who deflected the ball into the net, bagging three points for Australia.
India next play Argentina on June 17 in London.
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