Women’s World Cup: India open with fighting draw

Amstelveen, July 3

The Indian women’s hockey team played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against England in its opening match of the FIH World Cup here today.

England took the lead through Isabella Petter in the ninth minute before Vandana Katariya equalised for India in the 28th minute.

There was hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides in the first two quarters. The Indians had the first shy at goal as early as in the first minute in the form of a penalty corner, but they wasted the opportunity. Minutes later, skipper Savita Punia made a fine save to deny the English.

England took the lead through Petter who neatly deflected in a cross from the right. India responded brilliantly and secured back-to-back penalty corners, but Gurjit Kaur was first denied by the post and then by English goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.

The Indians kept up their tempo and continued to press hard and secured their third penalty corner in the 17th minute, but once again Gurjit faltered. Three minutes later, Savita once again came to India’s rescue to keep her side in the match.

India finally struck from their fourth penalty corner as Vandana showed presence of mind to push in a rebound.

India secured another penalty corner just at the stroke of half-time, but Hinch again made a brilliant save. England dominated the third quarter but failed to translate their efforts into goals. The neck-and-neck fight continued in the final quarter but yielded no result.

In the 56th minute, India had a great chance to surge ahead but Sharmila Devi failed to connect from close range as the ball hit her foot.

India will play China, who held New Zealand 2-2 yesterday, in their next Pool B match on Tuesday.