Playing good hockey in spells was sufficient for coach CR Kumar’s girls to clinch the 4-match Azerbaijan Test series, being played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Indian girls, who seemed struggle most part of the match against the better organized rivals today, came good in a few spells that proved turning point in deciding the rubber.
India needed a draw or win to wrap up the series today in the third test, and they made it style, winning again today 3-0.
India had already won both the test gone by before today.
Agile and alert Sushila Chanu set the Indian scoring in the third minute and three minutes before the hooter, the best goal of the match was struck by player-maker Ritu Rani.
In between, three minutes before lemon time, Anuradha Devi too entered her name on the score board.
Ritu Rani got a loose ball on the top of the circle, wasted no time to send in a power-packed forehand, the ball crashing on the right edge of the net. The goal came much against the run of play, and gave the impression the winners had a easy walk today.
The visitors lacked in scoring power and it told on the outcome, instead.
Both the sides struggled to negotiate penalty corners
India need to thank hardworking defenders, recalled star Subhadra Pradhan and ever-green Joydeep Kaur, for emerging winners today. For, its the Azerbaijan girls who nearly held the sway in the whole of match, and the defence stood to the task.
Assisted by Asusnta Lakra in the centre, the defender duo dished out heartwarming display to thwart the moves of well-oiled frontline of the visitors.
On one of the penalty corner drills, its Joydeep who made a goaline save, her reflex and energy are joy to behold.