Navneet Kaur delivered an outstanding performance as India defeated Wales 4-1 in their Pool B match at the Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground.
Navneet Kaur's hat-trick
The forward struck three times, in the 29th, 34th and 55th minutes, while Sakshi Rana had earlier given India the perfect start with a goal in the seventh minute. The convincing win ensured India finished on top of the group table, even though they had already secured a place in the semi-finals before the game.
India will now face Italy on Friday with a place in the final at stake.
India off to a dominating start
From the very beginning, India looked sharp and aggressive. The hosts used their speed to trouble the Welsh defence and kept pushing forward in the opening quarter. Their early pressure paid off when Salima Tete carried the ball down the right flank and set up Sakshi Rana, who smashed a reverse hit into the goal to put India ahead.
The home side kept attacking and almost doubled the lead soon after. Udita came close from a penalty corner, but the Welsh defence managed to clear the ball right on the line.
India continued to control the pace of the game in the second quarter. Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami combined nicely during a quick counterattack, but goalkeeper Ffion Horrell stepped in to stop the final pass.
Wales did get a chance midway through the quarter when they won a penalty corner, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi reacted quickly to deny them an equaliser.
India extended its lead in 29th minute
India finally extended their lead in the 29th minute. Off a penalty corner, Navneet Kaur struck a low shot that beat the goalkeeper and made it 2-0. By halftime, India had dominated the game with 55 per cent possession and several circle entries.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half. Neha nearly added another goal early in the third quarter, but her reverse hit was saved. Soon after, Sakshi Rana’s strong run won India another penalty corner, and Navneet Kaur once again made it count to put India firmly in control at 3-0.
Wales is unable to narrow the gap
Wales managed to pull one back in the 39th minute when Betsan Thomas took advantage of a brief lapse in the Indian defence and scored from a tight angle.
In the last quarter, Wales had an opportunity to to shift the momentum by narrowing the gap when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute. However, captain Elizabeth Bingham missed the chance as her attempt went wide of the goal.
Navneet Kaur then wrapped up the match in style. She converted a penalty stroke in the 55th minute to complete her hat-trick and seal a comfortable 4-1 victory for India.