England secured a bonus point by defeating India in a shootout after their FIH Hockey Pro League (Women) match ended in a 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Navneet Kaur (53’) and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (57’) scored for India, while Paige Gillot (40’) and Tessa Howard (56’) found the net for England. It was a memorable night for Rutaja, who marked her senior international debut with a crucial goal to level the match.
The opening quarter saw both teams creating chances, but neither could break the deadlock. England dominated possession and pressed India deep into their half, forcing the hosts to defend resolutely. England earned two penalty corners in quick succession in the ninth and 11th minutes, but goalkeeper Savita made crucial saves to keep the scores level.
India had their first penalty corner in the 16th minute when Manisha Chauhan’s shot took a deflection and struck the post. They earned another set-piece soon after, but the English goalkeeper made a sharp save. Deepika’s drag flick from India’s third penalty corner in the 22nd minute was also kept out.
Towards the end of the second quarter, Rutaja and Navneet received green cards, leaving India briefly with just nine players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, India maintained a solid defensive shape and ensured the first half ended goalless.
India started the second half with an early penalty corner and executed a clever variation, but England cleared the ball off the line. In the 38th minute, England won a penalty corner, but Savita produced another fine stop. However, two minutes later, England took the lead when Captain Sophie Hamilton delivered a powerful ball into the circle, and Paige Gillot deflected it into the roof of the net.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
India responded by launching quick counterattacks but struggled to convert their opportunities. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Elizabeth Neal’s stick tackle on Mumtaz inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke. Vice Captain Navneet Kaur stepped up and calmly slotted home the equalizer.
England applied late pressure, winning consecutive penalty corners. In the 56th minute, Hamilton sent a delivery into the goalmouth, where Tessa Howard managed to deflect it in with a well-timed touch. After a brief review, the goal was awarded, restoring England’s lead.
India struck back almost immediately. Sunelita Toppo played a precise pass to Rutaja inside the circle, and the debutant skillfully dribbled past defenders before scoring a brilliant goal in the 57th minute, bringing India level once again.
With the score tied after regulation time, both teams earned a point, and the match proceeded to a shootout for the bonus point. In the initial five attempts, only Navneet Kaur and Lily Walker found the net, forcing the contest into sudden death. England eventually clinched victory 2-1, with Sophie Hamilton converting the winning shot.
Savita was outstanding in goal, making four crucial saves in the shootout, but despite her efforts, England prevailed to claim the extra point.
Also Read: Navneet’s Late Strike Seals India’s 3-2 Win Over England