The juggernaut: Harmanpreet’s troops rolled over Germany and Australia to maintain an ideal report.
| Photo Credit: File photograph
Fort Rourkela remained unconquered as India gained 4-3 towards Australia in a shootout after the groups had been tied 2-2 in regulation time within the closing Pro League match of the mini-series right here on Wednesday.
India has remained unbeaten on the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in eight video games, beginning with its World Cup marketing campaign earlier this yr.
Despite lacking two early photographs within the shootout, the host got here again to take the sport to sudden-death, courtesy one other spectacular efficiency by P.R. Sreejesh who effected three saves.
A preventing Australian group stored up the strain proper via, particularly within the second half, however Harmanpreet’s males managed to stroll away with two factors after the win.
A purpose within the second minute, courtesy a rasping reverse hit by Vivek Sagar Prasad from the highest of the circle off a penalty nook rebound within the second minute handed a great begin to India. But the early dominance didn’t translate right into a flurry of objectives as India misses a collection of penalty corners within the subsequent couple of minutes.
With Manpreet Singh sitting out, participant positions had been shifted. Dilpreet Singh moved additional as much as his common spot and Vivek, that includes in his a hundredth sport, marshalled the central midfield together with Hardik Singh.
India was in management for the primary quarter however Australia regularly created house, took possession and opened channels on both flank via passes on the sidelines. Only a resolute Indian defence, spectacular goalkeeping and the submit stored the Aussies at bay.
After the half-time break, the sideline passes had been blended with lengthy aerials to bypass the opponent and enter the Indian circle extra typically. One of these noticed Pawan tripping Nathan Ephraums on the backline to concede a stroke and a purpose.
Sukhjeet’s good flick, which deflected off Eddie Ockenden’s stick, put India forward for the second time. Australia threw every thing upfront and managed to tug degree via Tim Howard with eight minutes remaining. However, the guests may solely go that far.
India remained on high of the desk with 19 factors in eight video games whereas Australia was sixth (eight from eight). Harmanpreet Singh led the scorers’ record (11), whereas Selvam Karthi (5) was the opposite Indian within the top-five.
India’s subsequent sport is towards Belgium in London on May 26.
The end result: India 2 (Vivek Sagar 2, Sukhjeet 47) drew with Australia 2 (Ephraums 37, Howard 52); Shootout: India 4 (Harmanpreet 2, Dilpreet, Sukhjeet) bt Australia 3 (Harvie, Marais, Welch).
