IANS
GLASGOW, AUG 1
THE Indian women’s hockey team defeated hosts Scotland 2-1 in the 5-6 position classification match to end fifth at the Commonwealth Games here Friday. While the first half was a showcase of great defensive skills along with counter-attacks by India, it was only in the second half that the forwards, denting the opponent’s semicircle, finally scored and won.
Scotland managed more shots to secure two penalty corner opportunities in the initial stages of the match but failed to get past Indian goalkeeper Savita.
India’s good defence was evident as they frustrated Scotland in all their attempts at the goal in the first half. The visitors, on the other hand, were also unable to cash in on their opportunities to go into the second half with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
But India began the second half on an attacking note and earned a penalty corner opportunity in the 42nd minute. Jaspreet Kaur took the stroke but the attempt was saved by Scottish goalie Amy Gibson.
India’s efforts finally bore results when Anupama Barla sneaked in a field goal in the 53rd minute. But penalty corner specialist Nikki Kidd struck just two minutes later to level the match at 1-1.
However, Scotland’s joy was short lived as India re-took the lead back in the 57th minute when Poonam Rani put in a field goal to make it 2-1. The scoreline was retained till the end of the game.
