India loses fifth straight FIH Pro League match - last-minute goal seals Australia win

India's women's hockey team suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat to Australia on June 14, 2025, marking their fifth consecutive loss in the FIH Pro League. Despite leading 2-0 mid-game with goals from Abhishek, a last-minute penalty corner goal by Australia’s Craig dashed India's hopes, highlighting ongoing challenges as they prepare for the Asia Cup.

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TimesofindiaSports+2
Updated 29m ago
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India's women's hockey team suffered their fifth straight defeat in the FIH Pro League after a narrow 3-2 loss to Australia in Antwerp.

India had a strong start, leading 2-0 midway through the third quarter with both goals scored by Abhishek, showcasing excellent finishing.

"India were 2-0 up midway through the third quarter, with both goals coming through fabulous finishes from Abhishek."

However, Australia fought back, taking a 3-0 lead through field goals by Courtney Schonell (16th minute), Lexie Pickering (26th), and a penalty stroke by Tatum Stewart (35th).

India rallied in the final quarter, with Deepika converting a penalty corner to reduce the deficit. Despite intense pressure and a late penalty corner chance to equalize, India could not capitalize.

"In the last minute of the game, another penalty corner proved to be India's undoing, as Hayward's low dragflick was diverted past Karkera by Craig, as India's fifth successive loss was confirmed."

Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was praised for his performance, making key saves in the first half.

"India did come under pressure from the Aussies in the first half, but Suraj Karkera was excellent in goal, making good saves from Jeremy Hayward and Tim Brand in the first half."

With half the season completed, India has accumulated only nine points from eight matches (2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses) in the nine-team tournament, highlighting the challenges ahead.

"With half the season over, India have logged only nine points from eight games (won 2, drawn 2, lost 4) in the elite nine-team tournament."

The team is focusing on improving goalkeeping and dragflicking skills, with coach optimism about qualifying for the 2024 World Cup.

India will continue their European leg with upcoming matches against Australia and Argentina, aiming to build momentum for the Asia Cup.

Sources: 2
India lost their fifth consecutive FIH Pro League match, falling 3-2 to Australia in Antwerp. Despite leading 2-0 mid-third quarter with goals from Abhishek, a last-minute penalty corner goal by Craig sealed the defeat. India has struggled this season, earning just nine points from eight games.
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The Headline

India loses 3-2 to Australia with last-minute goal

In the last minute of the game, another penalty corner proved to be India's undoing, as Hayward's low dragflick was diverted past Karkera by Craig, as India's fifth successive loss was confirmed.
Match Report
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Key Facts
  • India lost 3-2 to Australia in the FIH Pro League match held at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, marking their fifth consecutive loss in the tournament.
  • India led 2-0 midway through the third quarter with both goals scored by Abhishek before Australia mounted a comeback.1
  • Australia's Craig diverted a penalty corner dragflick by Hayward past Indian goalkeeper Karkera in the final minute to seal the win.1
  • India pressed hard in the final quarter, with Deepika scoring from a penalty corner and nearly equalizing late in the game.Sports
  • Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was excellent in goal during the first half, making good saves from Jeremy Hayward and Tim Brand.1
Key Stats at a Glance
India's consecutive losses in FIH Pro League
5 matches
1
Final match score India vs Australia
3-2
1
India's lead midway through third quarter
2-0
1
Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera's saves in first half
2 saves
1
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Background Context

India rebuilding after Olympic miss, focusing on Pro League

Harendra has a task on hand, having to rebuild the team and also ensure it registers important wins to rise again.
Coach Harendra
1
Key Facts
  • India women's hockey team failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which was a significant setback for the team.2Sports
  • Coach Harendra took charge with the goal to rebuild the team and secure important wins to improve performance.1
  • Special focus was given to goalkeeping and dragflicking ahead of the Pro League matches, with Simon Zijp working with Indian goalkeepers.Timesofindia
  • India started the 2025 FIH Pro League with 9 points from 8 games, comprising 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses in the elite nine-team tournament.1
  • The team views the Pro League matches as preparation for the Asia Cup and aims to perform well to qualify for the World Cup next year in Belgium and the Netherlands.2Timesofindia
  • The Salima Tete-led Indian side began their European leg of the Pro League with two consecutive matches against Australia at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre.
Key Stats at a Glance
India's points from eight games in Pro League
9 points
1
India's win/draw/loss record in Pro League
2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses
1
Number of teams in Pro League tournament
9 teams
1
Number of consecutive matches against Australia in Europe leg
2 matches
Timesofindia
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