Bichu’s late effort was described because the ‘save of the match’ by Savita.
| Photograph Credit score: Hockey India
It was not the way in which they’d have needed, however it will simply be superb. They made it tougher for themselves, however the Indian ladies survived an onslaught from England to carry on for a nervy goalless draw on Thursday and progress to the World Cup second spherical.
The solar, for a change, shone on the Wagener Stadion because the Indian group basked in a uncommon second of success on this stage. In a pool (D) the place India (5 factors) was ranked the third-best aspect, Sjoerd Marijne’s outfit completed second behind China (seven factors).
It was an outstanding rearguard effort from the Indian defence with England needing only one purpose to interrupt the resistance and with that, the rival’s hearts.
Within the remaining minute, Tessa Howard struck at purpose, however Bichu Devi sprung to her left to push the ball away, making India consider once more. It was a exceptional save.
Her jubilant senior goalkeeping associate Savita Punia known as it the “save of the match”.
Marijne celebrates the qualification with the group members.
| Photograph Credit score:
Hockey India
Savita did her half, too, protecting England at bay within the third quarter with two excellent saves. However the European aspect got here tougher within the remaining quarter-hour, together with eradicating its goalkeeper for an additional outfielder. England had 16 circle penetrations to India’s two within the second half because the latter was retreating into its personal quarter of the pitch.
Nerves most likely performed an element and India stored making errors on the ball, permitting England to dominate possession and accumulate scoring alternatives.
Darcy Bourne and Anna Toman had eight tries from penalty corners within the second interval, however India’s PC defence was beautifully led by skipper Salima Tete, who rushed out to frustrate them repeatedly.
India had possibilities to make its life simple within the first half however Navneet Kaur and Deepika have been wasteful with their ending from brief corners. Navneet fired huge from her second try, and have become predictable together with her drag-wide-and-strike method as Miriam Pritchard guessed it proper.
Finally, it didn’t show pricey for India. However Marijne’s aspect might want to do higher in opposition to the Netherlands within the second-round sport on Friday.
Revealed – August 20, 2026 10:41 pm IST
