Rourkela: In a thrilling encounter at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24, the Indian men’s hockey team faced a setback as they drew 2-2 against Australia but subsequently lost 0-3 in the shootout at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Saturday.
The Indian team took the lead with Harmanpreet Singh (20th minute) and Amit Rohidas (25th minute) converting two penalty corners. However, Blake Govers (23rd minute) pulled one back for Australia with a successful penalty stroke. Tom Craig leveled the score in the 53rd minute, ending the regulation time in a 2-2 deadlock. Australia missed an opportunity to clinch victory in regulation, failing to convert a penalty stroke in the fourth quarter.
The shootout witnessed a different narrative as Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Sukhjeet Singh, and Akashdeep Singh missed their attempts, while Australia’s Tom Wickham, Flynn Ogilvie, and Tim Brand scored, securing a 3-0 bonus point victory.
Despite the spirited performance, India ended up losing the match 2-2 (0-3 in the shootout) in the second game of the Pro League. In the earlier match of the day, Spain dominated Ireland with a 7-0 victory, led by Alvaro Iglesias’s brace.
The game showcased two distinct halves, with India having the upper hand in the first session and Australia dominating the second. India secured four penalty corners, with Australia earning four in the second session, including three in the third quarter. Australia missed a penalty stroke during the game.
With this result, India gained one point and currently holds the fourth position with 12 points from seven matches, while Australia sits in the second spot with 20 points from six wins. In the next match, India will face Ireland, while Australia takes on the table-topping Netherlands in the upcoming fixtures at Rourkela.
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