Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey : India topples defending champions Australia
Breaking News: Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey : India topples defending champions Australia India caused a flutter defeating defending champions Australia 5-4 for its fourth consecutive win from as many matches in the Sultan Of Johor Cup Hockey Tournament in Malaysia on Wednesday. The win helps the unbeaten Indian team retain its top spot in the pool besides assuring it a berth in the semi finals. ALso Read: Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup: Germany makes a winning start The Indian team made a dominating start by building some inspiring attacks in the first quarter. Though its initial chance of scoring from a PC went amiss, Gursahibjit Singh scored a fine field goal to give India 1-0 lead in the 5th minute. The team built on a good start to score three more back-to-back goals in the 11th, 14th and 15th minute through Haspreet Singh, Mandeep Mor and Vishnukant Singh, respectively. The 4-0 lead at the end of the first quarter rattled the defending champions. However, India faltered in its defence in the second quarter only to give away an easy goal through a penalty stroke in the 18th minute. Damon Steffens who scored the first goal. Australia ended up scoring the second goal too when an Indian infringement inside the circle saw them concede a PC in the 35th minute, narrowing the goal deficit to 4-2. Though Shilanand Lakra scored in the 43rd minute to take India's lead to 5-3, Australia had its opponentlistering atacks. Also reaD: Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup: Asian Games champion suffer Korea suffers humiliating defeat In the 59th minute, the pressure to defend the scoreline saw India Colts give away another penalty stroke which was easily converted by Steffans narrowing the goal difference to 5-4. But India held its nerves to finish the match in its favour. -PTC NEWS
