Perth: Indian men and women lost on identical 1-4 score on the final day of the four-nation Lanco International Super Series Hockey 9s here on Sunday.
Indian women, who were playing for the gold against Australia, though scored the first goal against Australia, the hosts took the initiative thereafter and came out with a refreshing scheme of display to disappoint the Indians. India ‘s lone goal was scored by Sooundarya Yandala in the ninth minute.
Earlier in the day, Indian men did nothing different. They failed to score when they dominated and then gave away easy goals to end the day disappointingly. India’s solitary goal was obtained by winger Rajpal Singh, involving a sequence of give and take in the circle off a penalty corner.
With wayward shooting inside the circle, Indians had only themselves to blame as even a sizeable fan turnout also failed to inspire them.
The match started briskly, with India dominating the first five minutes or so but it was Pakistan which moved the scoreboard early on.
Pakistan converted the half chances that came their way to go up 2-0 within the first 12 minutes. Captain Shakeel Abbasi (7th minute) and Muhammad Waqas (12th minute) took the match away from the Indians.
Goals thereafter came easily for Pakistan with Fareed Ahmed (17th minute) and Waqas giving finishing touches to a good attack in the 21st minute.
By K Arumugum
www.stick2hockey.com