Australia ended India Colts’ unbeaten run on the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey match with a powerful 4-0 win at Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Wednesday. Whereas India’s ahead line struggled to interrupt the Australian defence, Daykin Stanger (33′, 39′, 53′) scored a hat-trick of objectives with Patrik Andrew (29′) opening the impasse. Regardless of the defeat, India continued to steer the factors desk with 9 factors whereas Australia (7 factors) is positioned third after New Zealand, who’re in second place with eight factors.
With three wins of their kitty and yet one more match left within the spherical robin league, India stay potential contenders to succeed in the ultimate.
The desk toppers confronted a stiff problem from the get-go as Australia resorted to high-press early within the recreation to regulate the ball possession.
The Australians used velocity to their benefit, setting the momentum they wanted to create pictures on purpose. With lower than two minutes for the primary hooter, the Aussie forward-line forayed into the hanging circle and unleashed a fierce reverse hit however was off-target.
They discovered one other alternative to attain after they earned a PC with simply 9 seconds left on the clock for the primary hooter. However India goalie Bikramjit Singh made a courageous save to finish the quarter in a 0-0 stalemate.
Impressed by their coach, legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Ali Khan made a grand save off a penalty stroke which India conceded within the 18th minute. Fast on the counter assault, India earned a PC however the drag-flick was deflected by Aussie defence.
Within the following minutes, each groups traded PCs earlier than Australia’s Andrew drew the primary blood within the twenty ninth minute when he managed an excellent reverse hit from the left flank. The 1-0 lead on the stroke of break left India surprised.
With seconds left on the clock for the half-time break, India discovered an awesome alternative to equalise by means of a PC however Aussie goalkeeper managed to pad the ball to security.
Buoyed by the 1-0 lead, Australia ended up extending the scoreline to 2-0 within the thirty third minute when Daykin bought a fantastic deflection off a reverse hit. This was an actual setback for India who needed to give you an improvised assault to slender the lead.
Within the meantime, Australia managed to pump a 3rd purpose into the web when Daykin picked up a well-constructed assault, hoodwinked the Indian defence to present his crew 3-0 lead.
India desperately looked for a gap however the Australian defence was determined and stored India’s hunt for that elusive purpose alive by means of the fourth quarter.
Particular point out to the Aussie goalie Hunter Banyard, who was excellent by means of the sport, wanted for making some unbelievable saves to maintain Indian strikers at bay.
Within the opening minute of the fourth quarter, he made a diving save to cease Dilraj’s fantastic shot on purpose.
So as to add to India’s woes, Daykin accomplished his hat-trick within the 53rd minute. With the scoreboard studying 4-0 and solely seven minutes of play left, India regarded for a comfort purpose however could not convert one.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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