India secured a bonus point by defeating Australia 5-3, via shoot out (3-1) in the second match of their FIH Men’s Pro-League double-header at Kalinga Hockey Stadium here today. The thrilling match went to the shoot out stage after play in regular time ended in 2-2 draw.
With this win, India almost avenged the 4-3 defeat they suffered in the first match against the Aussies yesterday. The result today left the two teams locked together on 10 points, with third-placed Australia ahead of fourth-placed India in the standings by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Australia opened the scoring midway through the second quarter thanks to Trent Mitton’s powerful slap-shot that somehow squeezed between India goalkeeper Krishan Pathak and his near post. However, the home favourites turned the match on its head with two penalty corner goals in three minutes, with Rupinder Singh and Harmanpreet Singh putting India 2-1 up at half time.