FIH Women's Junior Hockey WC: IND beat NZ 3-2 in thrilling classification game

SANTIAGO: The Indian junior women's hockey team put up a brilliant show in their classification match of the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2023 as they came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-2 in sudden death in a penalty shoot-out after the match ended 3-3 during regular time.

In the allotted 60 minutes, Ropni Kumari (8'), Jyoti Chhatri (17'), and Sunelita Toppo (53') scored a goal each for India, while Isabella Story (11'), Madeline Harris (14'), and Riana Pho (49') netted goals for New Zealand.

In the penalty shootout, Sakshi Rana and Preeti were able to convert their chances for India, while Mumtaz Khan, scored in sudden death. On the other hand, New Zealand's Hannah Cotter and Riana Pho converted their shots in the penalty shoot-out.

Just like their previous games, India commenced the game with a commanding presence, constantly pressuring New Zealand's defence and swiftly entering their territory. Despite New Zealand's attempts to alleviate this pressure by initiating counter-attacks, India maintained their momentum, securing an early lead through Ropni Kumari's (8') successful conversion of the initial penalty corner.

However, India's elation was short-lived as New Zealand swiftly turned the tables. Isabella Story (11') levelled the score with a penalty corner goal, following which Madeline Harris (14') scored a field goal to put New Zealand ahead as the first quarter concluded 2-1 in their favour.

Determined to equalize, India adopted an aggressive approach in the second quarter, yielding immediate results as Jyoti Chhatri (17') netted a field goal through a calm finish, putting India back on level terms. Post-equalizing, India strategically shifted its focus to maintaining possession, making it challenging for New Zealand to create scoring opportunities.

No more goals were scored in the second quarter as both teams entered the half-time break with the score levelled at 2-2. In the third quarter, both teams showcased aggressive gameplay, creating numerous opportunities to score. However, despite their efforts, neither India nor New Zealand were able to capitalise on the chances. The penultimate quarter concluded with a goalless stalemate, keeping the score tied at 2-2.

However, New Zealand surged ahead early in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on consecutive penalty corners. Riana Pho (49') placed a precise shot to give her team the lead. India, eager to equalize, heightened their offensive onslaught.

Despite a close call from a penalty corner, New Zealand's goalkeeper Arabella Loveridge made a crucial save, preserving their lead. Yet, India persisted with relentless attacks, eventually finding the equalizer through injector Sunelita Toppo (53') who scored via a penalty corner.

With just seven minutes remaining and the score level, both teams aggressively pursued the winning goal but failed to break the deadlock, concluding the match at 3-3 and leading to a penalty shoot-out, in which India failed to convert their opening two shots but the team's goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo made four back-to-back brilliant saves to help her side bounce back and register a 3-2 victory in sudden death in the penalty shoot-out.

However, India is out of contention for a quarterfinal spot and are in classification matches to decide their final position in the tournament. In Pool C, they won one match and lost two.