On Wednesday (7th February), the Indian women’s hockey team lost 0-3 against Australia in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Australia’s captain Grace Stewart (19′), Tatum Stewart (23′), and Kaitlin Nobbs (55′) scored the goals on the day.
India opened the match on the front foot, forcing Australia to give a penalty corner in the second minute, but Australia’s custodian Zoe Newman was alert to avoid any harm. In the next minutes, both sides created big scoring opportunities but were unable to convert. Australia increased the pressure as the first quarter came to a close, but the Indian defense held firm.
Second quarter
As India continued to look for a goal in the second quarter, Australia launched a counterattack led by Kaitlin Nobbs, who found herself open in the shooting circle and passed to Grace Stewart, who tapped the ball in for the game’s opening goal. India attempted to generate chances but were unable to complete the final pass. Soon after, Australia attempted to damage India with a quick counter through Amy Lawton, but her reverse shot was blocked by Bichu Devi Kharibam. Halfway in the second quarter, Australia got a penalty corner, and Tatum Stewart’s drag flick extended the team’s lead.
As the first half came to a conclusion, India pegged Australia back and won two penalty corners, but neither were converted, leaving the score at 2-0.
Third quarter
In the third quarter, the hockeyroos were content to sit back and absorb the pressure as India struggled to locate a weakness in their defense. India received a penalty corner opportunity in the final minute of the quarter, but Udita slammed the ball wide, keeping Australia ahead by two goals.
As the first half came to a conclusion, India pegged Australia back and won two penalty corners, but neither were converted, leaving the score at 2-0.
India increased their pressure in the last quarter and were granted a penalty corner two minutes later, but India tried a variation and Udita’s effort went wide of the post again. Mumtaz Khan swiveled to draw a foul in the shooting circle a few minutes later, but India’s penalty corner was rushed and failed to be converted. With five minutes remaining, Australia extended their advantage to 3-0 when Kaitlin Nobbs slid the ball between Savita’s leg. As the game came to a conclusion, Navneet put a shot on goal, but the goalkeeper stayed attentive, and Australia won 3-0.
India’s next match is against the United States on February 9th.
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