India's losing streak in FIH Pro League continues, go down to Australia in penalty shootout

In a tense FIH Pro League 2025-26 encounter on Sunday, India suffered a heartbreaking 4-5 penalty shootout defeat against Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Hobart. The match ended in a 2-2 draw at the conclusion of regulation time, as a late surge from the hosts canceled out India’s hard-earned lead.

No respite for India, flattened by Australia in penalty shootout

The Indian side delivered a spirited performance, showing remarkable defensive discipline while gradually building offensive pressure. Their persistence paid off late in the first quarter when they earned a penalty corner. Amit Rohidas capitalised on the opportunity, slotting home a precise dragflick in the 15th minute to give India an early 1-0 advantage.

ALSO READ: CSK CEO ends suspense over MS Dhoni's availability for IPL 2026 amidst retirement rumours

Despite sustained dominance from the Australian side throughout the middle periods, the Indian backline remained resolute. This defensive stability allowed India to strike again in the 43rd minute. Jugraj Singh doubled the lead with a powerful dragflick from another penalty corner, putting India in a commanding position heading into the final stretch.

However, the hosts refused to back down. Joel Rintala emerged as the hero for Australia, scoring a crucial brace in the 47th and 56th minutes to level the score and force the match into the decisive shootout, where Australia ultimately clinical execution secured the extra point.

Australia's stunning comeback in 4th quarter

Australia’s comeback began early in the fourth quarter when Joel Rintala successfully converted a penalty corner to reduce the deficit. Riding that wave of momentum, the hosts continued to press until they finally found an equalizer from another set-piece. Rintala struck again with just four minutes remaining on the clock, netting his second goal of the night to level the score at 2-2.

Since the teams remained deadlocked at the end of regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. The competition remained incredibly tight, with both sides successfully converting their first four attempts. However, the deadlock was broken when India's Aditya Arjun Lalage was denied by Australian goalkeeper Jed Snowden on the final penalty, handing the victory to the hosts.