- By Vishal Pushkar
- Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:25 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Indian Women's Hockey Team secured a sensational 3-1 victory over New Zealand in their second pool B match of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf on Sunday.
India's goals were a testament to their attacking prowess, with Sangita Kumari opening the scoring in the first minute (1'), followed by Udita's strike in the 12th minute and Beauty Dung Dung's contribution in the 14th minute. New Zealand managed to pull one back with Megan Hull finding the net in the 9th minute.
Both teams traded PCs in the following minutes but eventually, it was New Zealand who found success as Megan Hull created just enough space to get a perfect hit to make the post in the 9th minute. Four minutes later, Lalremsiami did well in the circle to help India win a PC and this time it was birthday girl Udita who converted a fine PC with a powerful slap shot. India continued their rampaging form in the first quarter as they extended their lead to 3-1 in the 14th minute when Salima and Beauty Dung Dung – both from Jharkhand – worked in tandem to fetch the third goal for the hosts.
A sensational 3-1 lead put India in a comfortable position going into the second quarter. Though there were no goals in this quarter, with the tempo slowing down a bit after a fast-paced first 15 minutes, there were strong spells by Beauty, Salima and Deepika who kept the packed audience on the edge of their seats.
New Zealand came out of the ten-minute half-time break with a fresh intent and spirit in their game. They won a couple of PCs in this quarter but India’s defence was on point, not allowing the visitors to narrow their lead. India Captain Savita too made a sensational save to keep the New Zealanders from scoring through a PC. Nisha too was worthy of praise with her diligent blocking. India too created a couple of opportunities in the following minutes but didn’t convert.
India’s defenders continued to put all their heart into keeping their team in a 3-1 lead. They intercepted almost all of New Zealand’s long balls and managed the backline efficiently. Though New Zealand tried their best to come back in the final moments of the match, India held their nerves to seal three points from this match.
On 16th January India will take on Italy at 1930 hrs.
