Indian Women’s Hockey team beat New Zealand Women’s team 3-1 in the FIH Olympic Qualifier. India women’s hockey team suffered a defeat against the United States of America women’s team. This is the must-win match for the Indian side. Indian Team performed well in this match and beat New Zealand comfortably at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Indian team is still in the race to reach the semi-finals.
India Starting eleven
Savita is a goalkeeper, Monika, Udita, Pradhan Nikki, Kumari Sangita, Nisha, Lalremsiami, Jyoti, Kaur Navneet, Tete Salima, and Neha
New Zealand Starting eleven
O’Hanlon Grace is a goalkeeper, Merry Olivia, Hull Megan, Shannon Olivia, Davies Frances, Ralph Hope, Child Samantha, Thompson Liz, Doar Katie, Tynan Rose, and King Julia.
Indian Women’s Hockey team beat the New Zealand Women’s team 3-1
Indian team starts this match with the intent to win it. In the first minute of the match Indian team scored a goal. Sangita Kumari Scored the first goal. After conceding the first goal New Zealand started building pressure on the Indian defense line. In the 9th minute, New Zealand levels the score! While India may feel aggrieved about the penalty corner decision, the execution is excellent. Megan Hull, positioned at the far castle, creates space and delivers a hit that sneaks through the post.
In the 13th minute, India won the penalty corner India regained the lead with a birthday goal for Udita! Opting for a slap routine once again, Udita directs the shot to the right side, securing a fine finish. India takes control. In the 14th Minute, an Indian woman punishes New Zealand very next minute they take the lead Salima and Neha collaborate beautifully and Neha scores the third goal India leading 3-1. In the Second Quarter India won a penalty corner but it did not result much.
After that, New Zealand also received a penalty corner but Salima’s strong rush prevented the goal. New Zealand women putting pressure on Indian Defense but Indian Defense and midline players are so resilient they absorb the pressure and the Indian team maintain their lead of 3-1 at the end of half-time. Early in the third quarter Indian team came with an attacking mindset. Sangita tried to score with a tomahawk attempt but missed the targets. Indian team dominating possession.
New Zealand won plenty of corners, but it did not end up in the net. Savita makes a crucial save, but the high rebound leads to conceding another penalty corner. The situation remains tense. New Zealand attempts a variation from the penalty corner, but Nisha shows exceptional defensive skills, reading the play and making a crucial block. India manages to withstand the pressure, holding on in a critical moment. With few minutes left in the third Quarter India won the plenty corner Navneet had time and space to hit it but her shot was stopped by O’Hanlon Grace.
#WATCH | Indian women hockey team beat New Zealand 3-1 in Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi
Captain of the Indian women’s hockey team Savita Punia says, ” I said yesterday as well that I have faith in my team, maybe yesterday was not our day. We couldn’t play our game properly and by… pic.twitter.com/P6N12qiylL
— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2024
Another chance goes begging when Navneet’s shot completely misses the target. Udita loses possession high up the field, putting India under pressure. However, Nikki recovers and executes a superb tackle. Schopman praises Nikki as an unsung hero, and her crucial play showcases her impact. The last Quarter begins Indian team making mistakes in passing in the early minutes. Nikki’s back had cost the Indian side New Zealand saw the opportunity with an attacking entry, but Ishika stepped in to clear the danger. India’s team managed to control the temperament and hold the ball until the end of the final quarter of this match. India women’s beat New Zealand 3-1 in FIH Olympic Qualifiers. India will face Italy on 16 January.