London: In a gripping FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women’s) match held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, the Indian women’s hockey team fell short against Australia, losing 2-3 despite a valiant second-half comeback.
Australia raced to a 3-0 lead in the first 35 minutes, thanks to goals by Courtney Schonell (16’), Lexie Pickering (27’), and Tatum Stewart (35’, penalty stroke). India responded with determination in the second half, with Deepika (44’) and Neha (52’) scoring to bring the team back into the contest.
India began the match with measured possession and tactical discipline. However, Australia struck first when Schonell capitalized on Grace Stewart’s sharp pass in the 16th minute. Pickering doubled the lead in the 27th minute, and by the third quarter, Australia’s pressure paid off with a penalty stroke, calmly converted by Stewart to take the score to 3-0.
India’s Deepika offered a glimmer of hope late in the third quarter with a well-executed penalty corner goal. The final quarter saw India dominate possession and earn multiple penalty corners. In the 52nd minute, Neha scored on a rebound, cutting the deficit to 2-3.
The momentum remained with India, and Navneet Kaur’s brilliant stick work inside the circle nearly earned them a late equalizer through another penalty corner. However, the Australian defense held firm, denying India the comeback they were building toward.
The match also marked a milestone for Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who played her 50th international match.
Before the match began, players observed a minute’s silence to honor victims of the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, reflecting the spirit of solidarity in sport.
