Guwahati: In the opening match of the four-match series on Monday in Cape Town in South Africa, the Indian women’s hockey team registered a stellar 5-1 win.
For India, Rani (12′), Monika (20′), Navneet Kaur (24′), Gurjit Kaur (25′) and Sangita Kumari (30′) scored, while South Africa found the back of the net through captain Quanita Bobbs (44′).
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, the tenacious midfielder who was chosen to start this match against South Africa played on the field for the first time as a Senior. For the young athlete who commanded the Indian Women’s Junior Team at the Uniphar U23 5 Nations Tournament in May, it was a historic event.
Early in the quarter, India immediately settled into their passing rhythm and forced South Africa back into their own half. Rani (12′), who skillfully converted a penalty corner to give the Indian Women’s Hockey team a 1-0 lead, gave India the lead. Soon later, the opening period came to a finish as India had a slim advantage going into the first break.
India started the next quarter at a high tempo as they were dominating possession and carving out chances at will. They scored four more goals in quick succession as Monika (20′) started India’s blitz. Navneet Kaur (24′) made it 3-0 in favour of India as she calmly slotted the ball into the net after a brilliant team move. Gurjit Kaur (25′) skilfully converted a penalty to extend Indian Women’s Hockey team’s lead as the South African players were struggling to find a foothold in the match.