Timid India go down to Aussies, out of reckoning
SULTAN AZLAN SHAH India will take on hosts Malaysia in their fourth match
IPOH: A listless India went down to Australia 2-4 for their second loss in three matches, pushing them out of the race to reach the final at the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey.
Late goals by Ramandeep Singh (52’, 53’) were only a consolation against the table toppers. Mark Knowles (28’), Aran Zalewski (35’), Daniel Beale (38’) and Blake Govers (40’) scored for Australia. India, who have rested many senior players for the tournament, had lost their opener to Argentina 2-3 before drawing 1-1 with England. Tuesday was a must-win match for India but getting the better of the Australians proved to be tough as always.
Though India’s defence remained resolute in the first quarter , an infringement in the 28th minute saw the Indian team concede a penalty stroke. Australian skipper Mark Knowles was accurate in his attempt as he sent the ball past Krishan Pathak, giving Australia a 1-0 lead. With seconds to go before the second hooter, India won the first PC of the match but the opportunity went begging with young dragflicker Varun Kumar’s shot rebounding off the cross bar. Australia doubled their advantage when a superb pass by Craig on the baseline was effortlessly picked up by Zalewski. His diving effort ensured the ball went past Suraj Karkera in the 35th minute.
Australians built on their lead and dominated, keeping the ball for longer stints and finding space in the Indian circle.
They even won a PC in this pursuit but an ambitious variation could not be converted. A 3-0 lead eventually came by when Beale scored a field goal in the 38th minute. Govers later converted a PC as he brilliantly picked up a rebound. India will take on hosts Malaysia in their fourth match on Wednesday.