Women’s FIH Pro League 2024-25: Navneet Kaur’s Late Heroics Seal Thrilling 3-2 Win for India Against England
Bhubaneswar/Patiala, 16 February (Sports Desk)
The Indian women’s hockey team kicked off their FIH Pro League 2024-25 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over England at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. A late strike by vice-captain Navneet Kaur in the 59th minute sealed the win after England had equalized just a minute earlier. The hosts will face England again in their next match on Sunday .
Match Summary
India, ranked world No. 9 , took the lead twice in the match through Vaishnavi Vitthal Phallke (6’) and Deepika (25’) , but England, ranked seventh , fought back each time with goals from Darcy Bourne (12’) and Fiona Crackles (58’) . However, Navneet Kaur’s decisive goal in the dying moments ensured India started their campaign with a crucial three points.
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First Quarter: India Strikes Early
India made a strong start, earning the first penalty corner of the match in the 6th minute . Manisha Chauhan took the initial shot, which was blocked by England’s first rusher Tessa Howard . The rebound fell to Sushila Chanu , whose powerful shot was deflected into the net by Vaishnavi Vitthal Phallke , giving India an early 1-0 lead .
England responded swiftly in the 12th minute . A defensive lapse by India allowed Maddie Axford to take a shot inside the circle. While goalkeeper Savita made the initial save, Darcy Bourne reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, leveling the scores at 1-1 .
Towards the end of the quarter, England’s Tessa Howard unleashed a powerful shot from the left flank, but Savita produced a brilliant save to keep the score tied.
Second Quarter: Deepika Marks Milestone with Goal
The second quarter was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging possession and creating chances. India dominated the midfield with precise passing, while England pressed aggressively to regain control.
In the 25th minute , India earned their second penalty corner. Young drag-flicker Deepika , playing her milestone 50th international match , stepped up and delivered with a perfectly executed flick to restore India’s lead at 2-1 .
Third Quarter: End-to-End Action
The third quarter saw an intense battle, with both teams attacking relentlessly. India focused on controlling the midfield, while England looked to exploit the flanks.
In the 42nd minute , India earned another penalty corner, but Deepika’s powerful attempt was well saved by England’s goalkeeper. Despite sustained pressure from both sides, neither team could find the breakthrough, keeping the scoreline at 2-1 heading into the final quarter.
Final Quarter: Late Drama Ensures Victory
England came out strong in the final quarter, earning three consecutive penalty corners. However, India’s defense held firm, denying them any clear scoring opportunities. Their persistence finally paid off in the 58th minute when Fiona Crackles found the equalizer, making it 2-2 .
But the joy was short-lived for England. Just a minute later, India struck back through vice-captain Navneet Kaur , who scored from the edge of the shooting circle with a powerful shot that went through the goalkeeper’s legs and into the net. The late goal sent the home crowd into raptures and secured a dramatic 3-2 win for India.
Key Performances
- Vaishnavi Vitthal Phallke (India): Scored the opening goal in the 6th minute with a deflection from a penalty corner.
- Deepika (India): Marked her 50th international appearance with a crucial penalty corner goal in the 25th minute.
- Navneet Kaur (India): Scored the match-winning goal in the 59th minute, showcasing composure under pressure.
- Darcy Bourne (England): Equalized for England in the 12th minute with a quick finish.
- Fiona Crackles (England): Found the equalizer in the 58th minute but couldn’t prevent the loss.
Looking Ahead
The Indian women’s hockey team will aim to build on this momentum when they face England again in their next FIH Pro League match on Sunday . With a thrilling victory under their belt, the hosts will look to continue their winning form in front of their passionate fans at the Kalinga Stadium.
This nail-biting encounter highlighted the competitive nature of the FIH Pro League and set the stage for more exciting clashes in the tournament.
