India lose to Australia in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2016

Ipoh, Malaysia 7 April 2016: In their second game of the tournament in Malaysia, India lost to last year’s runner-up Australia 5-1.

Australia started off strongly in the first quarter, hitting India’s defense with speed and earned their first penalty corner in the 5^th minute. Blake Govers scored from the PC with a sharp shot to make the score 1-0. India hit back with their own goal through a penalty corner, as Rupinder Pal Singh scoredthree minutes later to draw level. In the immediate aftermath of the drag flick though, Rupinder took a body blow from the rushing defender and was substituted for a good period of the next quarter.

Australia scored a second with two minutes left in the quarter to go into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The second quarter saw Australia dominate possession and force India into mistakes, forcing them to concede two more field goals and trail 4-1 at half time.

Post the interval, India made a strong start to the second half and were constantly using the wings, hoping to break into the Australian circle and trouble the goal. Australia’s defense though kept them at bay throughout. A sharp shot by Sunil saved by the Australian goalkeeper was India’s best attempt of the quarter.

In the final quarter, pouring forward in numbers, India hoped to reduce the deficit but were met by a resolute Australia, who did not give them an inch of space in the circle. On the counter, the Australians added one more to their tally right at the end of the match to end 5-1 winners.

India next play Canada at 18:05 pm IST on 10th April, 2016.

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