Dublin, June 3:
The Indian women’s hockey team continued its unbeaten run and defeated Scotland 2-1 to enter the final of the Cantor Fitzgerald U21 four-nation tournament here today.
Mumtaz Khan (36th minute) and Gagandeep Kaur (51st) were the goal scorers for India, while Margery Justice (50th) found the net for Scotland.
The match started at a good pace with India looking to seize the early initiative.The Indians won their first penalty corner in the process but Scotland goalkeeper Amber Murray came to her side’s rescue.
Minutes later it was Scotland’s turn to secure a penalty corner but Khushboo, who played in place of regular goalkeeper Bichu Devi, denied the opposition team.
India continued to maintain the upperhand in the second quarter and earned another penalty corner but Murray, in front of Scotland goal, stood tall as both the teams failed to break the deadlock at halftime.
India’s performances after halftime has been noticeable in the tournament as out of the four goals they scored so far in the event, three came after the change of ends. But it was Scotland who had the first chance after the breather in the form of a penalty corner but Khushboo once again came to India’s rescue.
Minutes later India struck the first blow when Mumtaz opened the scoring in the 36th minute.
Just at the start of the final quarter, India won back-to-back penalty corners but failed to utilise the chances.
Scotland then equalised from a counter through Justice in the 50th minute before Gagandeep Kaur restored the lead by converting a penalty corner in the very next minute to hand India its third consecutive win in the tournament.
India will face either hosts Ireland or Canada in the final of the tournament on Tuesday. (PTI)
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