The Indian Women’s Hockey Team on Wednesday lost 0-3 to Australia in the FIH Pro League. The Janneke Schopman’s side were by far the second best team of the night and squandered quite a few chances that came their way. This was the third successive loss in front of their home crowd in the 2023-24 FIH Women’s Pro League.
The Indians started on the strong foot in the first quarter but failed to score as Australia absorbed the Indian pressure with all their experience. Australia managed to hold on to the game in the first quarter, and took the game away in the second. Grace Stewart opened the scoring for Australia early in the second quarter as India fell behind. Tatum Stewart scored the second after a brief gap with Australia’s first penalty corner.
India got a few penalty corners of their own but failed to convert any of them as Australia put the final nail in the coffin in the fourth quarter. Australian Kaitlin Nobbs found herself in a 1v1 situation with Indian captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia and she calmly slotted it in to end all Indian hopes.
“First quarter we started well. But once we conceded the first goal, we went defensive. Australia are a good side and they played well,” said Indian captain Savita Punia after the match.