India go down to Aussies in thriller
India failed to qualify for the final of the Lanco International Super Series hockey tournament after losing 3-4 to Australia in a hard-fought encounter on Friday.
India, who went down to England 1-2 earlier in the meet, opened the scoring through skipper Sardar Singh, but their lead was short-lived as Boyne equalised for Australia within seconds. Just a minute before the break Australia surged ahead through Boyne’s second goal of the day before Danish Mujtaba drew parity for India just at the stroke of half-time.
After the break, the Kookaburras restored the lead through Whitton before India once again levelled through Gurvinder Singh Chandi. However, Australia had the last laugh as Trent Mitton scored from nowhere from the right flank five minutes before the hooter to ensure the home team’s second straight win.
In another match, Pakistan lost 2-4 to England. India next play Pakistan on Saturday in an inconsequential.
