The Indian women's hockey team's struggles in the FIH Pro League continued as they suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat against Australia on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in London. This marks their second consecutive loss to the Hockeyroos, following a 2-3 defeat on Friday.
India started the match strongly, with Vaishnavi Phalke scoring a field goal in the 3rd minute, giving India an early lead and a 1-0 advantage at halftime. However, Australia fought back in the second half, with Amy Lawton leveling the score in the 37th minute. The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Lexie Pickering scored the winning goal for Australia from a penalty corner variation in the 60th minute, leaving the Indian team heartbroken.
Earlier, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Indian team lost to Australia with a score of 3-2. In that match, Australia took a commanding lead with goals from Courtney Schonell (16'), Lexie Pickering (27'), and Tatum Stewart (35'). Despite being down 3-0, India showed resilience with Deepika (44') and Neha (52') scoring to reduce the deficit. However, Australia managed to hold on and secure the victory. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke marked her 50th appearance for India in the game on Saturday. With this loss, India is now in seventh place in the FIH Pro League standings.
In the Saturday game, both teams displayed intent and fought for possession in the first quarter. While India adopted a patient approach, they were quick to pressure the Australian defense. Australia secured a penalty corner in the 10th minute, but the Indian defense stood firm. India's best chance came late in the quarter, with a swift attack that forced Australian goalkeeper Zoe Newman to make a double save. Early in the second quarter, Courtney Schonell capitalized on a pass from Grace Stewart, giving Australia the lead. A turnover from Navneet in the 27th minute led to a series of Australian shots, with Lexi Pickering eventually finding the net after Savita's initial saves.
Following the restart, Australia continued to apply pressure, earning another penalty corner, which eventually led to a penalty stroke. Tatum Stewart converted the stroke, extending Australia's lead to 3-0. India responded when they won a penalty corner with just over a minute left in the third quarter. Deepika converted the opportunity, reducing the deficit to 1-3. India continued to attack in the fourth quarter, winning three consecutive penalty corners in the 46th minute, but they couldn't convert them into goals. They won another penalty corner and scored in the 52nd minute.
These recent defeats highlight the Indian team's struggles in maintaining consistency throughout the matches. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance and fighting spirit, they have been unable to capitalize on crucial moments and have suffered from defensive lapses. The team will need to address these issues quickly as they prepare for their next match against Argentina on Tuesday.
