The Indian women's hockey team lost for the third time in a row in the Women's FIH Pro League 2023-24. The Indian squad dropped 3-0 against the World No. 3 Australia Women’s Hockey team in the match played in Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium. India geared up with a fast start, scoring a penalty corner in the third minute but gradually lost the match.
Australia pushed India to the net, but India's defense remained strong. Australia countered through Nobbs, who passed the ball to Tatum Stewart, who scored the first goal. India's Vandana Katariya was close to scoring, but the ball just touched Australia's goalkeeper's pad. Australia tested India's defense by launching counterattacks in return. Australia's first goal came after a setup between Kaitlin Nobbs and Stewart Grace in the 19th minute.
Australian player Amy Lawton countered but was stopped by Indian goalie Bichu Devi Kharibam. Australia earned a penalty corner and a drag-flick by Stewart that doubled the score. However, India also scored two penalty corners but failed to convert leaving the score 0-2.
The players absorbed pressure in the third quarter, allowing Australia to maintain their two-goal lead despite India's attempt to score through a penalty corner. India scored a penalty corner in the final 15 minutes of the game, but Udita's shot missed the score again. In the third quarter, India made an effort and was awarded three penalty corners, but they were unable to score the goal. Australia won 3-0 due to a goal by Kaitlin Nobbs in the 55th minute, which was her tenth career goal while Navneet's attempt was saved by the Australian keeper.
India is set to face the United States in the Women's FIH Pro League on Friday.
