In a gripping encounter, India’s women’s hockey team suffered a heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to Australia after conceding a last-minute goal in their latest outing. Despite dominating the early stages and leading for much of the match, India couldn’t hold off a spirited Australian comeback that culminated in a dramatic winner just 34 seconds from full time.
India signaled its intent right from the start, winning three back-to-back penalty corners in the opening minute and putting immense pressure on the Australian defence. Their early aggression paid off in the third minute when Navneet Kaur carried the ball forward and passed it to Sharmila Devi, who found Vaishnavi at the far post. Vaishnavi made no mistake, deflecting the ball into the net to give India a 1-0 lead.
India maintained momentum and nearly extended the lead as Navneet came close with a sharp attempt. On the other end, Australia pushed back but India held firm, particularly during two successive penalty corners late in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a more balanced contest as both teams traded possession and sought control in midfield. Although chances were few, India preserved its slim lead heading into halftime.
Australia turned up the intensity in the third quarter, pressing the Indian backline with sustained attacks. Greta Hayes nearly found the equaliser but was inadvertently blocked by a teammate. The breakthrough finally came in the 37th minute when Lawton capitalised on a turnover, dribbling past an Indian defender before smashing a field goal into the bottom right corner to level the scores at 1-1.
The final quarter was a tense affair. India won a crucial penalty corner in the early minutes, but the Australian keeper made a vital save to deny them. In the 54th minute, India earned four penalty corners in quick succession. Neha’s deflected shot hit the post in what was arguably India’s best chance to reclaim the lead.
As the match neared its conclusion, Australia won a decisive penalty corner. Tatum Stewart delivered a pinpoint pass to Pickering, who expertly deflected the ball into the net, sealing a 2-1 win for the Aussies and snatching all three points.
India will look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Argentina in their next fixture in London on Tuesday.
