Indian rode on a hat-trick by captain and drag-flick ace Harmanpreet Singh to register a thrilling 5-4 win against Australia in the first meeting between the two sides in the FIH Hockey Mens Pro League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela today.

India got off to a shocking start, conceding a goal early in the third minute. But Harmanpreet guided the hosts a come-from-behind win, converting three penalty corners. He was awarded as the Player of the Match.

This was fourth outright win in six matches for India in the 2022-23 season of the Pro League. With this win, India moved up to the second position of the league teable, having 14 points in their kitty.

India had begun the ongoing season with a 4-3 and 7-4 win against New Zealand, followed by a 2-3 loss and 2-2 (3-1 SO) win against Spain in the home games played in October-November last year. India resumed their campaign on a confident note by beating World Cup champions Germany 3-2 at the Birsa Munda Stadium two days ago.

RESULT: India (Harmanpreet Singh 13-PC, 14-PC, 55-PC; Jugraj Singh 17-PS, Karthi Selvam 25-FG) beat Australia (Joshua Beltz 3-FG, Ky Willott 43-FG, Ben Staines 53-PC, Tim Howard 57-PC) 5-4. PoM: Harmanpreet Singh.
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PHOTO: India captain Harmanpreet Singh scores one of his three goals in their Pro League match against Australia in Rourkela on 12 March 2023.