Bravehearts on Turf: India Women’s Hockey Team’s Daring Comeback Falls Just Short Against Australia

Indian women's hockey team gave a tough fight but lost 2-3 to Australia in a nail-biting match in Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday. The game, which is a part of the on-going bilateral series, witnessed India coming back strongly but eventually succumbing to the world No. 5 host.

 

Australia took control early in the second minute with a goal from Grace Stewart, and the tone for the remainder of a closely contested game was established. India defended resolutely in the second quarter, repelling a number of Australian penalty corners and keeping the gap to one goal at half time.

 

The third quarter witnessed India vice-captain Navneet Kaur equalizing the score in the 35th minute with a well-executed penalty corner. The level was, however, not for long as Jade Smith regained the lead for Australia a minute later via a field goal. Greta Hayes added to the lead for Australia in the 42nd minute, and the score stood at 3-1.

 

India kept pushing hard, and their efforts were rewarded when Lalremsiami scored in the 59th minute, narrowing the margin to 2-3. Even with a last-minute push, the Indian team could not penetrate the Australian defense in the final minutes.

 

This is India's fourth loss on their Australian tour, having lost two matches against Australia 'A' and a 0-2 loss against the senior Australian team in the first game of the series. The Indian team will have another chance to finish their tour on a high note when they play against Australia in the third and final match of the series on Sunday.

 

Source: The Indian Express