The Indian Women's Hockey Team faced a narrow 2-3 defeat against Australia in a thrilling FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 match held at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre in London on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Australians held their nerve to secure the victory.

Australia dominated the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 lead. Courtney Schonell opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a well-placed field goal. Lexie Pickering extended the lead in the 27th minute, followed by Tatum Stewart converting a penalty stroke in the 35th minute.

However, the Indian team showcased resilience and determination in the second half. Deepika scored in the 44th minute through a penalty corner, igniting a spark of hope for the team. Neha further narrowed the deficit in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound to make it 2-3. India continued to apply pressure, but Australia's defense stood firm, denying them the equalizer.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Indian midfielder Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who made her 50th appearance for the national team.

Despite the loss, the Indian team displayed a fighting spirit, particularly in the second half. Their ability to bounce back from a 3-0 deficit demonstrates their determination and potential. However, the team needs to address their slow starts and defensive vulnerabilities to achieve more consistent results.

With this result, India is currently seventh in the FIH Pro League points table. They will face Australia again on Sunday, June 15, followed by matches against Argentina, Belgium, and China in the European leg of the Pro League. The team aims to improve their performance and secure crucial points in the upcoming matches.