Mumbai win under-20 hockey 'Test' series against Karnataka

Having won the home series four months ago 2-1, the visitors needed just a draw in the sixth ‘Test’ and their young turks completed a fine fightback, bouncing back twice from a goal down to secure a draw at the KSHA stadium that gave them the series triumph. The series in Bangalore finished 1-1.

Poonacha MG’s first-half lead for Karnataka was equalised by Mumbai’s Amith Gowda nine minutes after the interval, while Nikkin Thimmaiah’s (45th) brilliant 2-1 lead off a swift counter-attack for the hosts was neutralised by Chinglen Sana in the 52nd minute.

Karnataka, who appeared to have regained their rhythm after an erratic performance on Tuesday, have only themselves to blame for the draw. While they looked good in attack, especially on the counters, their defence against set-pieces was a big letdown as both goals they conceded came off penalty corners.  On the other hand, Mumbai, despite having to do a lot of running, hardly buckled down. They stood up well to the pacy Karnataka midfield trio of Nikkin, Poonacha and Md Naemuddin. During the closing stages, with the series hanging in the balance, they still looked to attack.