Indian women hold South Africa

Brilliant goalkeeping by Savita saw India hold host South Africa 0-0 in the first match of the Women’s Hockey World League semifinal here on Saturday.

India made a strong start with a structured game and better ball possession in the first 15 minutes.

There were also some crucial circle penetrations made in the first quarter that fetched them a penalty corner in the 12th minute of the match.

However, a fiercely struck drag-flick by Gurjit Kaur was well-defended by South Africa’s first runner to deny India an early lead.

In the second quarter, South Africa bounced back with an improvised attack. It made two brilliant attempts on goal.

First it was Tarryn Glasby who beat the defenders in the circle to take a shot on goal, but an alert Savita was brilliant in her efforts to keep South Africa from scoring.

Sulette Damons’ shot on goal was perhaps the best chance South Africa had to score, but her powerfully struck shot was slightly off the mark even as Savita made a diving effort to defend. India takes on USA on Monday.