Marlow (England): Gurjit Kaur’s brilliant goal in the dying moments of the game helped the Indian women’s hockey team come from behind and register 2-1 victory over Great Britain.
In a highly attritional first quarter of the opening match of the five-game series, neither of the teams managed to break the deadlock on Friday. Despite attacking efforts from both sides, it was the two defenses that stood out, holding the fort to ensure the scoreboard was untouched at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Indian eves took control of the game and won a couple of penalty corners in the opening minutes forcing smart saves from Maddie Hinch. Soon enough it was Great Britain’s turn but India’s goalkeeper Savita pulled off a smart save to deny their opponents an opener. The two teams went into half-time locked in a goalless stalemate.
India controlled the action in the third quarter, but despite multiple circle penetrations, Great Britain’s defence held strong to deny an opener.
Great Britain broke through first in the final quarter with Emily Defrond scoring in the 46th minute to give them the lead. Despite going down India kept up the pressure and soon reaped the dividends, with Sharmila Devi carrying out a superb goal to level the scores.
With 48 seconds of the game to play, India won a penalty corner and this time Gurjit slotted the ball home to seal the match for the team and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The second match of the series will be played on Sunday
