Auckland [New Zealand], June 18 (ANI): The Indian ladies’s hockey staff continued their spectacular run on the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26 with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Uruguay of their remaining pool match in Auckland on Thursday.
After conceding an early objective, India confirmed resilience and composure to battle again, with Deepika scoring a brace whereas Deepika Soreng additionally discovered the online, in keeping with a press launch.
The win ensured a top-place end in Pool A for India, with three consecutive wins over the USA, Japan and Uruguay. The USA joined India within the semi-finals from Pool A after the American facet completed in second place.
Chiara Appennino (13′) and Manuela Vilar (55′) scored objectives for Uruguay, whereas Deepika (24′, 56′) and Deepika Soreng (43′) netted the objectives for India. The match was additionally an important day for midfielder Neha, who celebrated her two hundredth senior worldwide look for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team.
Uruguay took the lead within the thirteenth minute when Chiara transformed a penalty nook to place her facet forward after a carefully contested opening quarter. India, nevertheless, responded strongly and drew degree earlier than halftime by way of their in-form drag-flicker Deepika, who efficiently transformed a penalty nook within the twenty fourth minute to make it 1-1.
The momentum shifted decisively in India’s favour after the break as they stepped up the depth and created sustained strain. Their efforts paid off within the forty third minute when Deepika Soreng produced a effective subject objective at hand India a 2-1 lead heading into the ultimate quarter.
Uruguay refused to provide in and located an equaliser late within the contest by way of captain Manuela, who struck within the fifty fifth minute to arrange a tense end. However, India’s response was speedy. Just a minute later, Deepika transformed her second penalty nook of the night, restoring India’s lead at 3-2, which sealed victory.
India loved the higher share of attacking alternatives all through the match, incomes seven penalty corners in comparison with Uruguay’s two, and capitalised on key moments to register a comeback win.
With three consecutive wins, India will head into the semi-finals brimming with confidence as they proceed their pursuit of the FIH Nations Cup title and a return to the FIH Pro League. They are more likely to face Chile or Korea within the semis, scheduled for June 20. (ANI)