Rajgir, Bihar: It was the perfect setting for the best game of the tournament and the Indian and Chinese teams delivered the goods in front of the packed Rajgir Sports Complex Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
In the clash of the two best teams of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, the hosts India came up on the top dishing a memorable performance with a 3-0 win over China.
The Olympic silver medalists China were on an unbeaten run only to meet the dominant Indian team that made complete use of the rest day and came out fresh after thrashing Thailand 13-0.
The Indian team was on point from the first whistle as Deepika earned a penalty corner in the first minute which was saved by the Chinese goalkeeper Surong Wu.
India’s attack continued as Sunelita Toppo created a brilliant chance for Deepika with her deft touch in the fifth minute but Deepika’s attempt was thwarted by the Chinese goalkeeper.
The first quarter ended goalless as both teams failed to break each other’s defence.
China started well in the quarter and there was a counterattack causing panic in the Indian defence but it was eventually cleared.
The next chance fell to China’s Yanan Xu, who attempted a reverse tomahawk from the left wing, but her shot found the side netting. India responded by earning another penalty corner, but they too failed to convert.
The game became more end-to-end, with neither team willing to give an inch, and the deadlock continued into the second half.
Buoyed by the home crowd, the Indian team turned up the heat in the third quarter as Deepika seized a loose pass high up the pitch and found Lalremsiami alone at the center of the shooting circle, but her first-time shot was easily swatted away.
Experienced midfielder Sushila Chand fired a deceptive pass towards Sangita Kumari who fired the first goal in with a deft finish.
The crowd broke into celebrations as skipper Salima Tete doubled the lead five minutes after finding the goal from a Preeti Dubey assist.
China took control of the final quarter and had more possession of the ball but young goalkeeper Bichu Devi was on her toes throughout to make alert saves.
In a desperate move to find the goal, China removed their goalkeeper and played with 12 outfield players. However, the Indian defence was alert and more often than not countered the attacking moves.
India started a counter-attack in the last minute earning a penalty corner which was slotted home by Deepika making it 3-0 for India.
“I am very happy with the result and more happy with the fact that our girls followed all the process. China is a strong team and defeating them is a good result for us,” Indian coach Harendra Singh quipped after the game.
India has booked their berth in the semi-final with this win and will play Japan in the final group game to continue their unbeaten run.
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