India thrash South Africa 6-1 to strengthen top spot in Hockey World Cup Pool D

Amstelveen, Netherlands: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team produced a dominant attacking display to beat South Africa 6-1 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on Tuesday, moving to the top of Pool D at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.

The emphatic victory took India’s tally to four points from two matches. India had earlier drawn 2-2 against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China and currently lead the pool on goal difference, remaining unbeaten in the tournament.

India began the match with clear attacking intent, looking to put South Africa under pressure with quick passing and aggressive runs into the circle. South Africa created the first major opportunity in the fourth minute, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made an important save to deny Kayla de Waal.

India soon responded, with Salima Tete driving forward before finding Sunelita Toppo, whose effort was saved by South African goalkeeper Marlise van Tonder.

The Indian pressure intensified and the team earned its first penalty corner in the seventh minute. Deepika’s drag-flick, however, was kept out by a full-length save from van Tonder.

India finally broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. After patiently circulating the ball around the South African circle, Sakshi Rana’s attempt travelled towards the far post, where Sunelita Toppo was perfectly placed to provide the finishing touch.

Despite being reduced to 10 players briefly after Ishika Chaudhary received a green card in the 15th minute, India maintained control of the contest.

India extend lead before half-time

India doubled their advantage early in the second quarter. In the 17th minute, Navneet Kaur changed the angle during a penalty-corner routine before firing a low, powerful slap hit into the backboard to make it 2-0.

The Indian attack continued to trouble South Africa, with Navneet, Neha and Deepika combining effectively around the circle. Another penalty corner in the 24th minute created the opportunity for India’s third goal.

Deepika’s drag-flick took a deflection off the first rusher before falling for Sushila Chanu, who got the decisive touch in the 25th minute to put India 3-0 ahead.

South Africa struggled to contain India’s pace and movement, and the Indian side went into the half-time break with a commanding three-goal lead.

India run riot in third quarter

India returned after the break with the same attacking intensity and quickly began creating further openings.

The fourth goal arrived in the 38th minute after a slick attacking move involving Navneet and Baljeet Kaur. The ball was cut back to Deepika, who controlled it on her backhand before unleashing a powerful tomahawk into the bottom far corner.

India then added two more goals in quick succession.

In the 44th minute, Lalremsiami received an aerial ball from Neha inside the circle, moved onto her reverse and fired towards the far post to make it 5-0.

Just a minute later, Salima carried the ball forward and found Ishika, whose attempt struck the post. Sakshi Rana reacted quickest to the rebound and sent a powerful reverse hit into the top corner for India’s sixth goal.

With six different players finding the net, India demonstrated the depth and variety of their attacking options.

South Africa pull one back

Trailing 0-6, South Africa continued to fight and eventually found a consolation goal in the 55th minute.

A penalty corner created the opportunity, with Pearce’s drag-flick taking a deflection off the first Indian rusher. Kayla de Waal reacted quickly at the far post to reduce the deficit to 1-6.

India remained composed during the closing stages and comfortably saw out the match to register their biggest win of the campaign so far.

The victory gives India a major boost ahead of their final Pool D encounter against England on August 20, with the team now aiming to carry its attacking momentum into the crucial match.