The Hindu
BOSTON: Rani Devi’s hat-trick helped India blank Belarus 6-0, top the pool and qualify for the medal league second round of the junior women’s World Cup hockey tournament here on Tuesday. The Indians had upset favourite Australia in the previous encounter.
Roselin Dung Dung (16th), Poonam Rani (38th), Ritu Rani (51st) scored the first three goals before Rani (53rd, 54th and 58th) went on a scoring spree to ensure a facile win for India.
Going ahead
Dung Dung gave India the lead in the 16th minute when skipper Ranjita Devi set her up. Belarus’ attempts to get the equaliser were thwarted by an alert Indian defence and a penalty corner was saved by goalkeeper Jasdeep Kaur late in the first half.
India completely dominated the second half as the forwards shed off their markers and tore open the Belarus defence with consummate ease.
Poonam scored the second goal three minutes into the second session with a crisp volley. Ritu increased the tally when she converted a penalty corner in the 51st minute.
Belarus substituted its goalkeeper, but Rani was simply unstoppable and pumped in three goals to complete the rout.