The Indian men’s hockey team has finally got a reason to smile. Playing their final match of this leg of FIH Pro league, they beat Australia 3-1 in the shootout to clinch the bonus point after the match ended in a 1-1 draw in Hobart.
It was India’s third straight draw in the leg but they had endured shootout losses the previous two times against Australia and Spain. This time however, they took their chances and then a brilliant Mohith HS ensured India ended up taking two points from the match.
In the normal time, Jeremy Haryward broke the deadlock for Australia in the 49th minute via a penalty corner while Shilanand Lakra scored the equaliser three minutes later.
Tim Brand, Liam Henderson and Cooper Burns missed their chances in the shooutout thanks to goalkeeper Mohith and his superb stick tackles. For India, Shilanand, Maninder Singh scored before Abhishek missed his opportunity. Mohith gave away a stroke in the shootout which Hayward converted but it didn’t hamper the Indian team as Vishukanth scored to give India the win.
Australia started the match in their usual attacking manner, pressing high up the pitch and forcing turnovers. To India’s credit, they didn’t make mistakes in the defence despite coming under heavy pressure from the press. Mohith also pulled off a few fine saves during the game.
Going into the final quarter, Australia upped their intensity and won back-to-back penalty corner chances. Hayward finally scored the goal after beating Suraj Karkera with a low and hard shot. Three minutes later, India responded after Poovanna CB and Abhishek combined to create the chance for Shilananad. The forward brilliantly made space with a turn and chipped past the goalkeeper from a close range.
India then went on to put more pressure on the Aussies and created a couple of good chances in the final few minutes.
After the result, Australia will remain second with Belgium leading the table by a point. Belgium have 22 points from eight games while Australia have 21. After eight games, India are second from bottom with four points to their name while Pakistan are last having lost all their matches.
The next set of Pro League matches will be played in June with India travelling to the Netherlands and London.
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