With back to back wins, the India Women’s Hockey team are on a roll at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023. The Savita Punia-led India defeated Malaysia 5-0 in their second game of the tournament at Ranchi on Sunday, 29th October. Vandana Katariya (7’, 21’), Sangita Kumari (28’), Lalremsiami (28’), and Jyoti (38’) were the goalscorers for India.
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India Women’s Hockey team began proceedings with intensity, searching for a breakthrough from the very first minute. The team gained back-to-back penalty corners and found their first goal after Ishita’s injection led to a goal from Vandana Katariya (7’). With a few minutes left in the first quarter, India was awarded yet another penalty corner. But Deep Grace Ekka’s dragflick was denied by a brilliant save from Malaysian goalkeeper Nur Zainal.
The second quarter began with an early opportunity for India but Vandana Katariya’s tomahawk was saved by Nur Zainal. India earned a penalty corner and this time. Ishita’s injection was received by Jyoti before a deft touch from forward Vandana Katariya (21′) registered India’s second goal of the night to make it 2-0. In the 27th minute, a promising move by India led Lalremsiami to find Sangita Kumari deep in the circle. A smart finish from Sangita (28’) ensured that India’s lead was extended to 3-0. Less than a minute later, Salima Tete broke away on the right flank to find Lalremsiami (28’), who expertly deviated the incisive pass into the back of the net for India’s fourth goal.
India Women’s Hockey team dominance continued in the second half
The third quarter commenced with India dominating possession. The first chance of the quarter fell to Navneet Kaur who took a powerful strike only inches away from goal. India’s fifth goal was a product of brilliant link-up play. After a series of short passes, Vandana Katariya found Jyoti’s (38’) nimble stickwork in the circle, to secure a well-deserved goal.
As the final quarter of the match unfolded, the scoreline remained unchanged. In the 47th minute, Lalremsiami earned a penalty corner for India. However, Nur Zain pulled off another spectacular save to resist Deep Grace Ekka’s shot. With less than ten minutes to go, India was awarded two consecutive penalty corners, but the Indian offence was unable to score another goal. At the fulltime mark, India completed a comprehensive 5-0 victory, exhibiting their offensive prowess. India will next take on China in their third encounter of the tournament on 30th October.
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