Indian women rallied late in the second half to hold world number four and hosts Germany to a 3-3 draw in their opening match of the Four Nation Tournament at Essen on Friday.

India trailed 2-0 at half time but late strikes by Rani Rampal from their only penalty corner in the 63rd minute and skipper Surinder Kaur two minutes later denied the Germans an outright victory,

The hosts took the lead from a penalty corner conversion by Tina Bachmann in the 12th minute and veteran Natascha Keller increased the lead in the 24th minute.

India got one back in the 38th minute when Rosalin Ralte struck with a fierce shot.

Lydia Hasse however made it 3-1 for Germany in the 51st minute but the Indian resurgence with two goals thereafter enabled them to split points.

India will next play Australia, ranked fifth in the world on Saturday.

In another match Australia beat Ireland 4-0.

Hockey India Media Release