Indian women's team beat England 3-2 in FIH Women's Pro League

The Indian women's hockey team registered a thrilling win by defeating England 3-2 in their first match of the FIH Women's Pro League at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. Vice-captain Navneet Kaur found the back of the goal in the last minute to win the match. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (6th minute), Deepika (25th minute), and Navneet Kaur (59th minute) found the back of the goal for India, while Darcy Bourne (12th minute) and Fiona Crackles (58th minute) found it for England.

Two of the Indian targets were met through penalty corners, showing that the team has strengthened an area that had previously been one of their weakness. Both sides played an equal first period, both sides achieving one goal. In the 6th minute, India earned the first penalty corner of the match. Manisha Chauhan shot first, only to have it blocked by England first-rush Tessa Howard. The rebound found Sushila Chanu, who shot powerfully, only to have it skillfully deflected by Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke into the goal. The goal, soon checked, was awarded to India.

England responded in the 12th minute by capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Vaishnavi lost control of the ball inside the shooting circle, allowing Maddy Axford to take a shot which was initially saved by goalkeeper Savita. However, Darcy Bourne scored on the rebound to level the score. Towards the end of the first quarter, Tessa Howard fired a powerful shot from the left but Savita made a strong save to keep the score tied at 1-1.

The second quarter saw a tight contest. India dominated the ball possession, moving quickly with precise passing while England kept up the high pressure. In the 25th minute, India got their second penalty corner which was brilliantly converted by young drag-flick sensation Deepika.