Hockey: India into finals of Women's Asian Championship Trophy 2018
The Indian women hockey team paved its way into the finals of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy after edging past Malaysia 3-2 on Thursday, their third consecutive victory in the championship. The team will take on their hosts Korea in their final pool match on Saturday before Sunday's final. Gurjit Kaur (17'), Vandana Katariya (33') and Lalremsiami (40') sounded the board for India.
Could have played better: skipper Sunita
Although India won the match, skipper Sunita, was, however, not satisfied with their performance. "Though we are happy with the win, we are not very happy about how we played," said Sunita. The first quarter saw both teams trade penalty corners with India opening the account in the very first minute of the match which put Malaysia on a back-foot.
Gurjit strikes the first goal
An early effort by drag-flicker Gurjit was thwarted by the good penalty corner (PC) defending by Malaysia. However, Malaysia's attempt to score off a PC too was thwarted by the Indian defenders. India made their first breakthrough when penalty corner specialist Gurjit improvised on Lilima Minz injection, keeping her flick low to strike the ball past Malaysian goalkeeper.
Flying scores after the 10-minute half-time break
The team often kept denting their chances in the circle and Malaysian goalkeeper keeping up with impressive saves to keep India from scoring form PCs. However, the ten-minute half-time break helped India come back with flying scores. A quick-thinking Vandana dispossessed Malaysian attacker inside India's striking circle to score in the 33rd minute. Defender Deep Grace caused an infringement trying to save a PC.
All's well that ends well
Grace's infringement got Malaysia a penalty stroke but Nurani made a good save. Meanwhile, a brilliant long pass by skipper Sunita Lakra to the striking circle was deflected into the goal by young forward Lalremsiami from the top of the circle, leading to 3-2 in the 40th minute. The final quarter saw Malaysia make amends with Hanis Onn scoring the team's second goal.
