Hastings (New Zealand): After two consecutive defeats, India women’s hockey team put up a much-improved show to hold world No. 2 Australia to a goalless draw in their third match of the Hawke’s Bay Cup, here on Tuesday.
By virtue of this result, the Indian eves opened their account in the points table of the tournament while Australia registered their third consecutive draw.
World No. 13 India had earlier lost 1-2 to China before going down 2-4 against USA.
But the Indian team looked a motivated lot on Tuesday as their backline defended stoutly to deny a goal to the mighty Hockeyroos.
Indian goalkeeper Savita starred under the bar pulling off numerous saves to leave Australians frustrated.
The Indians defended stoutly from the word go to keep Australia at bay in the first quarter.
The Hockeyroos had two penalty corners in the opening 15 minutes but on both occasion, the Indian custodian Savita saved her side with brilliant saves.
The Indians continued to play in the same vein in the second quarter and defended in numbers to deny Australia.
In the second quarter, India wasted a great chance to surge ahead when they were awarded a penalty stroke after Anuradha Thockchom was brought down inside the circle but the opportunity went in vain.
After halftime, India secured their first penalty corner but wasted the opportunity.
In the fourth and final quarter, Australia went on the offensive and attacked in numbers but Indian goalkeeper Savita made a goal line save to keep a clean slate for her team.
India will next play hosts New Zealand on April 16.