Pukekohe (New Zealand): The Indian women’s went down 2-3 in the third Test of the five-match series here Wednesday. This was the third successive win for the hosts. It was a good show by the Indian eves who had lost the last game 2-8.
The Indian eves started on an aggressive note and made repeated breakthroughs inside the opposition box. Their efforts paid off when they took the lead in the ninth minute with Deep Grace Ekka converting a penalty corner.
However, the hosts were quick to regroup and launch a number of attacks on the Indian goal. They were awarded a stroke in the 13th minute, which Ella Gunson duly converted to restore parity. The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute when Deanna Ritchie scored a field goal after a combined move with skipper Stacey Michelsen.
The second and third quarters saw both sides create a number of openings. While New Zealand custodian Sally Rutherford twice denied Indian skipper Rani, her Indian counterpart Savita came to the rescue of her side on a number of occasions.
New Zealand scored their third goal through Shiloh Gloyn in the 39th minute. However, two minutes before the final hooter, Rani and Monika combined well to reduce the margin.
Landmark game
India’s premier defender Sunita Lakra completed the milestone of 100 international matches for the country, when she took field against New Zealand here Wednesday. Lakra made her international debut in 2009 and since then has been a backbone of the Indian team. Lakra has climbed the ranks in Indian hockey with significant performances in the 17th Asian Games, 2016 Rio Olympics and was also instrumental in India’s successful outing at the fourth Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and Women’s Hockey World League Round 2 in Canada.
PTI
