Indian women's team beat England 3-2 in FIH Women's Pro League

The Indian women's hockey team registered a thrilling win by defeating England 3-2 in their first match of the FIH Women's Pro League at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. Vice-captain Navneet Kaur found the back of the goal in the last minute to win the match. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (6th minute), Deepika (25th minute), and Navneet Kaur (59th minute) found the back of the goal for India, while Darcy Bourne (12th minute) and Fiona Crackles (58th minute) found it for England.

Two of the Indian targets were met through penalty corners, showing that the team has strengthened an area that had previously been one of their weakness. Both sides played an equal first period, both sides achieving one goal. In the 6th minute, India earned the first penalty corner of the match. Manisha Chauhan shot first, only to have it blocked by England first-rush Tessa Howard. The rebound found Sushila Chanu, who shot powerfully, only to have it skillfully deflected by Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke into the goal. The goal, soon checked, was awarded to India.

England responded in the 12th minute by capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Vaishnavi lost control of the ball inside the shooting circle, allowing Maddy Axford to take a shot which was initially saved by goalkeeper Savita. However, Darcy Bourne scored on the rebound to level the score. Towards the end of the first quarter, Tessa Howard fired a powerful shot from the left but Savita made a strong save to keep the score tied at 1-1.

The second quarter saw a tight contest. India dominated the ball possession, moving quickly with precise passing while England kept up the high pressure. In the 25th minute, India got their second penalty corner which was brilliantly converted by young drag-flick sensation Deepika.

The third quarter was an entertaining end-to-end battle, with both sides attacking aggressively. India focused on controlling the midfield, while England attempted to take advantage of the flanks. Katie Curtis played brilliantly for England, using her stick skills to move the ball forward, but India remained resolute in defense, intercepting crucial passes. In the 42nd minute, India got another penalty corner, and Deepika unleashed a powerful shot but was stopped by the English goalkeeper.

England gained momentum in the final quarter, earning three consecutive penalty corners, but failed to convert any of them into goals. Their relentless pressure finally led to Fiona Crackles scoring the equaliser in the 58th minute.

However, India responded almost immediately. Just a minute later, vice-captain Navneet Kaur struck a powerful shot from the edge of the shooting circle, sending the ball between the goalkeeper's legs and into the net. A last minute goal gave India a dramatic 3-2 win, giving them three points to get their campaign off to a great start.