India’s solid opening spell, which saw them take the lead, went in vain as a ruthlessly efficient Australia beat them by a 3-1 margin in Malaysia on Friday to remain comfortably at the top of the table.
Despite there being little goal-mouth action in the first quarter, it was India who were looking comfortable in possession. The Indians suffered a setback with goalie PR Sreejesh limp off after a collision. Roelant Oltmans’ side, though, were stretching the Australian defence well and Akashdeep Singh came close to scoring with a reverse hit.
India took the lead in the second quarter after creating yet another fine attacking spell. SV Sunil and Mandeep Singh came close with their efforts. The latter had the best chance of the game at the time with his hit rattling off the post. With four minutes left in the first half, Harmanpreet Singh (26’) earned a rare field goal to put his side in the lead.
The Australians hit back immediately and equalised seconds before the end of the second quarter with Eddie Ockenden (30’) netting a field goal. India lost their composure and with that, their discipline too in the third quarter of the game. Australia went ahead through Tom Cooper’s reverse hit (34’) from close range, his fifth goal of the tournament.
India’s best chance from there came to Talwinder Singh, whose attempt from inside the circle hit the Australian wall. The defending champions put the game to bed in the second half with a solid hit from Tom Wickham (51’) which gave goalie Akash Chikte no chance. The Indians ran out of steam and Australia could have stretched their lead further had Trent Mitton not hoofed his shot over the bar.
Scores:
- India 1 (Harmanpreet Singh) lost to Australia 3 (Eddie Ockenden, Tom Cooper, Tom Wickham)