‘Blizzard of Oz’: Indian women’s hockey team scripts lethal comeback; third match today

Perth: The Indian Women’s Hockey team secured a hard-fought win against Australia on Wednesday at the Perth Hockey Stadium to level the four-match friendly series 1-1.

The visitors came from behind in the final quarter to force a 1-1 draw and then edged the hosts 4-2 in the shootout.

After an entertaining start to the game, Australia took the lead, courtesy a goal from Olivia Downes (10’). But the Indian team upped the ante by creating opportunities from a series of penalty corners and putting the Aussies under pressure.

However, Australia remained resolute in defence. But the home team’s resistance was finally broken as Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (46) found the back of the net in the final quarter, bringing India back on level terms.

The visitors prevailed 4-2 in the shootout with goals from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.

The third match of the series will be played on 29 May 2026 at 11 am (IST) at the same venue.