India began the sport with dominance, incomes a penalty nook within the tenth minute of the primary quarter. Nonetheless, they had been unable to capitalise on the chance. The hosts, in flip, received a few penalty corners, however India’s resolute defence stood agency, denying them the lead. Consequently, the primary quarter concluded in a goalless stalemate.
The second quarter witnessed India’s deal with sustaining possession, however Australia A seized the initiative as Alice Arnott struck a subject objective within the 18th minute, breaking the impasse. Moments later, Ruby Harris doubled the hosts’ benefit by capitalising on a free alternative on the far submit.
Trailing by two targets at halftime, India displayed resilience and launched aggressive assaults. Nonetheless, they had been unable to transform their possibilities, and Australia A maintained their 2-0 lead heading into the break.
The hosts prolonged their lead early within the third quarter when Ruby Harris notched her second objective of the match within the thirty fifth minute, additional denting India’s hopes. Nonetheless, India shortly responded as Salima Tete produced a second of brilliance, firing a outstanding shot from simply contained in the D to register India’s first objective.
Decided to stage a comeback, India unleashed a barrage of assaults within the fourth quarter and earned two penalty corners. Sadly, they didn’t convert these alternatives. Nonetheless, their relentless stress lastly paid off when Sangita Kumari netted an important objective within the dying moments of the match, rekindling India’s hopes.
Regardless of India’s valiant efforts, Australia A’s defence held agency, denying the guests any additional targets. As the ultimate whistle blew, Australia A emerged victorious with a slim 3-2 margin.
This encounter marked the concluding phases of the Indian girls’s hockey group’s tour Down Below, serving as important preparation for the upcoming Asian Video games in September. They’re set to face Australia A as soon as once more on Saturday.
Earlier within the tour, India endured a 0-2 defeat in a three-match sequence in opposition to Australia, shedding by 2-4 and 2-3 within the first two video games. The third match led to a 1-1 draw, with India showcasing their resilience by equalising after falling behind.
(With inputs from PTI)