The Hindu
Boston: Monorama Devi’s last-minute goal helped India pull off a 3-2 upset over Australia in their opening match of the women’s junior hockey World Cup here.
A last-minute penalty corner goal by Monorama Devi sealed the win for India, which trailed 0-1 at half-time.
The other goal scorers for India were Ritu Rani (45th) and Monika Badran (53rd minute).
The Australian goal-scorers were Casey Eastham (31st) and Marnie Hudson (60th minute).
In a tough game, India was also helped by the errors committed by the Australians.
The Aussies, which finished fourth to India’s 11th in the last edition of the tournament four years ago, earned 10 penalty corners in the match but failed to capitalise on the chances.
India goalkeeper Jasdeep Kaur thwarted the first four attempts but was finally beaten in by a direct set piece by Eastham.
Australia started off the second half with quick passes but started losing speed when India carried the ball down the field and Poonam Rani smoothly scored in the 45th minute to draw level.
India kept the momentum going and broke into the lead eight minutes later when Monika Badran, set up by Joydeep Kaur, pushed past Australian custodian Ashley Wells.
Stung by the setbacks, Australia intensified its onslaughts and equalised in the 60th minute when Hudson fired home.
India earned its fourth and final penalty corner when Rani Devi was obstructed in the circle in the 70th minute. The match winner was indirectly executed by Monorama Devi.
India will next play Belarus on Wednesday.