Seasoned Deepika and Salima Tete scored a goal each as the Indian women's hockey team registered a thrilling 2-1 victory in their third match of the ongoing Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023.
Deepika opened the scoring in the 15th minute while Salima Tete doubled the lead in the 26th minute for India. China's lone goal came from Jiaqi Zhong in the 41st minute.
India quickly established a fluid passing tempo, asserting their dominance over China in the opening quarter. They commanded the lion's share of possession, continuously making circle entries and subjecting China's defense to a series of rigorous tests.
The Indian squad's offensive strength was on full display as they managed to secure a penalty corner in the dying moments of the first quarter. However, they couldn't capitalise on it.
They went ahead soon after when the home team earned a penalty stroke, which Deepika expertly converted with a precise shot into the bottom corner, giving India a well-earned 1-0 lead.
China started the second quarter on an aggressive note, coming very close to levelling the score. However, Indian Captain Savita displayed her brilliance with a remarkable save, preserving India's lead.
Simultaneously, India intensified their offensive onslaught to maintain pressure on China, a tactic that paid off when Salima Tete (26’), left unguarded, unleashed a well-placed and forceful shot from the circle's edge, notching India's second goal.
In the closing moments of the second quarter, China earned a penalty corner, but India's resolute defense stood firm, ensuring they entered halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
The third quarter kicked off with India resuming their offensive efforts, securing an early penalty corner that China's defense successfully thwarted, denying the hosts a chance to widen their lead.
India persisted in their relentless attack, keeping China on the defensive. Meanwhile, China adjusted their strategy by prioritizing possession and counter-attacks, a tactic that paid off when Jiaqi Zhong (41’) capitalized on a penalty corner, narrowing the gap and rekindling their hopes.
However, no more goals were scored in the penultimate quarter as it concluded with the score at 2-1 in favour of India.
Even with a narrow lead, India remained committed to their offensive style of play in the last quarter. China, on the other hand, displayed shrewd possession control and secured a couple of penalty corners, although they couldn't capitalize on these opportunities.
As the clock ticked down, China escalated their offensive efforts in pursuit of an equalizer, but India's defense stood resolute to maintain their lead and secure a 2-1 victory in the match.
India will next take on Japan in their fourth match of the tournament on October 31.
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