Indian women’s hockey team defeat Ireland 3-1 in their first Test

New Delhi – Indian women’s hockey team registered a come-from-behind victory by getting the better of Ireland 3-1 in their first Test match played at Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.

This tour is a preparations for the Champions Challenge 1, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from April 27 to May 4.

India rode on goals from Poonam Rani (37th min), Ritu Rani (61st) and Sunita Lakra (68th) to post a comfortable win, while Megan Frazer (4th) scored the lone goal for Ireland.

The Indian team had a tough time in the first half as it was the hosts who enjoyed the early share of exchanges and also managed to score a goal, which came through Frazer in the 4th minute of the match when she successfully converted a penalty corner.

At half-time, Ireland were leading 1-0. But after the change of ends, Ireland failed to find the back of the India net even once, while the visitors started getting a foothold on the game. In fact, the Indians did well to deny any more opportunities to the Irish women.

The second half saw the Indians eves implementing different strategies, which surprised the home team.

In the 37th minute, Poonam scored off the post from a penalty corner to level the scores 1-1.

Ireland had a good chance again in the 45th minute to surge ahead, as they had earned another penalty corner, but the visitors relieved the pressure clearing after an Irish miss-hit.

High in confidence, India started to put pressure on Ireland and took the lead in the 61st minute through a field goal from Ritu. In the 68th minute, Sunita Lakra converted a penalty corner to seal the match in India’s favour.

Both teams will be playing their second Test match on April 17.

Results: India (3) Rani Poonam (37th min), Rani Ritu (61st) and Sunita Lakra (68th). Ireland (1) Megan Frazer (4th).