India U-18 women beats Australia 4-1 in final match of series

India’s Under-18 women’s hockey team ended their four-match series against Australia with a commanding 4-1 victory in Bhopal on Wednesday. The hosts delivered an impressive all-round performance ahead of the upcoming U-18 Asia Cup, although Australia clinched the series 3-1 overall.

Hyderabad: The Indian Under-18 Women’s Hockey Team produced a dominant display to defeat Australia U18 Women’s Team 4-1 in the fourth and final match of the series at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday.

Australia took the lead early in the first quarter through Aurora Kovacevich (8’), putting the visitors ahead. India, however, responded quickly with captain Sweety Kujur (13’) scoring the equaliser before the end of the opening quarter.
The hosts continued their momentum in the second quarter and took the lead when Diya (25’) found the back of the net to give India a 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.

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India maintained control in the second half and extended their lead in the third quarter through Priyanka Minz (44’). Nausheen Naz (50’) then added another goal in the final quarter to cap off a dominant win for the hosts.

The victory marked a strong finish for the Indian team in a hard-fought series, preparing them well for the U18 Asia Cup beginning later this month in Japan.

Australia won the four-match series, which was part of an exposure tour, 3-1.