India beat Australia in shoot-out to end losing streak in FIH Pro League

India defeated world No 3 Australia 3-1 in a shoot-out after a 1-1 draw to end their losing streak in the FIH Pro League in Hobart, with Shilanand Lakra scoring the equaliser and goalkeeper Mohith starring in the shoot-out

Hobart: The Indian men’s hockey team ended a prolonged losing streak in the FIH Pro League, upstaging world No 3 Australia 3-1 in a shoot-out after both sides were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time here on Wednesday.

It was a close battle between the two teams in the first three quarters, which ended goalless. The win in their final game of the Hobart leg of the Pro League should be a confidence booster for India.

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Australia took the lead in the 49th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Jeremy Hayward. But the home team’s joy was short-lived as Shilanand Lakra (51st) scored a fine field goal two minutes later to draw level.

Both teams tried hard to score the winner but failed, and the match went into the shoot-out. India emerged victorious to take two points while Australia pocketed one point.

In the shoot-out, Lakra, Maninder Singh and Vishnukant Singh scored for India, while Australia’s lone goal was scored by Hayward. India custodian Mohith Shashikumar Honnenahalli denied Australia three times in the shoot-out to help India claim the bonus point.

The first quarter was a tight contest. While Australia dominated possession, India were resilient in defence and attacked well on the counter. India goalkeeper Mohith made a couple of crucial saves early on.

India won their first penalty corner in the 11th minute. However, Amandeep Lakra’s drag-flick was stopped by the first rusher. Moments later, India created another big chance from the left flank, but Abhishek’s deflection went narrowly wide.

The two teams remained level in the second quarter. In the 16th minute, Abhishek controlled the ball inside the circle and passed to Manmeet Singh, whose attempt was saved by the Australian goalkeeper.

In the 25th minute, Australia were awarded a penalty corner, but India’s Suraj Karkera made a brilliant save with his stick. India won their second penalty corner in the 38th minute, but Araijeet Singh Hundal’s attempt was comfortably saved. Seconds later, Amit Rohidas set up a chance for Hundal, but his deflection went inches wide.

Australia earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 42nd and 45th minutes. Joel Rintala’s drag-flick struck the post, and Mohith made a crucial save on the line, followed by another block on the rebound. Mohith continued his solid performance with another penalty corner save to end the third quarter.

Goals came in the final quarter. Australia found the opening goal through a penalty corner successfully converted by captain Hayward (49th). Trailing by a goal, India responded in the 51st minute. Hardik Singh initiated the move with a sharp pass to Abhishek on the right flank. Abhishek carried it forward and slipped a precise pass to Poovanna Chandura Boby, who squared it perfectly for Shilanand Lakra, who calmly slotted a field goal to bring India level.

With momentum on their side, India pressed hard, earning penalty corners and creating several promising opportunities, but the deadlock held until the shoot-out.

After a disappointing Rourkela leg where India lost all four matches, the Hardik Singh-led side made a losing start to the Hobart leg, losing 0-2 to Spain and 4-5 in a shoot-out against Australia after a 2-2 draw. They then lost 3-4 in a shoot-out against Spain following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

India are currently placed eighth in the nine-team competition with four points from eight matches. India will next play the Netherlands and Germany in the Rotterdam leg, starting with the hosts on June 21.