India vs Australia Highlights: Australia registered 4-2 win in the first of the five-match Test series against India on Thursday, 18th March 2023. After a goal-less first quarter, Australia repeatedly penetrated the Indian defence and dominated the contest throughout the day to register a comprehensive win. Follow Asian Games 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN
Australia clinch 4-2 win against India in first match of five Test series
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The tour is part of India’s preparation for the Asian Games later this year. The team led by Savita Punia got off to a poor start as they failed to put on a strong show against the Australian attack.
In the first quarter, India started well as they rotated the ball well and started off with an aggressive approach. However it was Australia that got back-to-back penalty corner opporunities. Savita Punia ensured that India didn’t concede lead.
Soon within two minutes India also had two opportunities to score. However India failed to convert even one as both the teams entered Q2 without scoring a goal.
In the second quarter, Australia scored back-to-back goals to take 2-0 lead. With less than two minutes remaining in the quarter, India’s Sangita Kumari fought back as she managed to slot in a field goal after a brilliant pass from Nikki Pradhan.
Within two minutes into the third quarter, Arnott Alice managed to penetrate the Indian defence and scored a goal to take her team’s lead to 3-1. Another goal soon followed that resulted in a resulting in a 1-4 to India.
Towards the end of the quarter, India fought back by converting a penalty corner as Navjot Kaur managed to flick one into the net. With this, India kept the contest alive moving into the final quarter.
In the final quarter, Australia tried to improve their lead. With six minutes left in the play, India’s substituted goalkeeper Bichu Devi blocked a shot to ensure Australia didn’t go up further.
India got a penalty stroke opportunity with three minutes left. Navneet Kaur’s shot was blocked by the Australian keeper and the hosts went on to win the contest with a difference of two goals.
Australia clinch 4-2 win against India in first match of five Test series
Follow Asian Games 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN
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