India produced a dominant performance at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen on Tuesday, defeating South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match. The emphatic victory took India to four points and lifted them to the top of the group on goal difference.
Six different Indian players found the net in an impressive attacking display. Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Navneet Kaur doubled the lead in the 17th minute with a penalty-corner conversion.
Sushila Chanu made it 3-0 in the 25th minute, reacting quickly to a rebound after another penalty-corner attempt. India maintained their pressure after the break, with Deepika adding the fourth goal in the 38th minute following a flowing attacking move.
Lalremsiami extended India’s advantage in the 44th minute before Sakshi Rana scored just a minute later to make it 6-0. South Africa eventually scored a consolation goal through De Waal Kayla from a penalty corner in the 55th minute.
India’s defence and goalkeeper Bichoo Devi also remained composed throughout the contest, limiting South Africa’s attacking opportunities.
The six-goal margin significantly improved India’s goal difference and could prove crucial in the tightly contested Pool D standings. India and China are currently on four points, while England have three.
India will face England in their final pool match on Thursday. A draw would be enough for India to secure their place in the second round, making the upcoming clash crucial for their World Cup campaign.
