A resolute defensive display and a heroic late save by Bichu Devi helped India secure a goalless draw against England to advance from Pool D.
The Indian women's hockey team survived a heavy late onslaught from England on Thursday, holding on for a nervy goalless draw at the Wagener Stadion to progress to the second round of the Hockey World Cup.
Sjoerd Marijne's outfit finished second in Pool D with five points, behind leaders China who ended on seven points. Despite entering the pool as the third-ranked side, India's defense held firm against an intense English attack.
England mounted immense pressure in the second half, recording 16 circle penetrations to India's two and removing their goalkeeper for an extra outfielder in the final 15 minutes. In the final minute, Tessa Howard struck at goal, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi lunged to her left to push the ball clear—an effort praised as the 'save of the match' by senior goalkeeping partner Savita Punia.
Savita had earlier maintained the clean sheet with two superb third-quarter saves. Meanwhile, skipper Salima Tete led India's penalty corner defense, repeatedly rushing out to frustrate Darcy Bourne and Anna Toman, who had eight tries from short corners in the second period.
India had chances to pull ahead in the first half, but Navneet Kaur and Deepika were wasteful from short corners. Navneet dragged wide on her second attempt after her routine was read by England goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard.
Despite being forced deep into their own quarter late in the match, India held on for the necessary point and will next face the Netherlands in their second-round game on Friday.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.