India hockey eves pip Ireland 2-1 in 2nd Test, win three-match series

The Indian women’s hockey team put it across Ireland 2-1 in the second Test of the three-match series at Dublin, Ireland. The national side is playing the three-Test series to fine-tune its preparations for the FIH Champions Challenge 1 tournament, scheduled to be held at Glasgow, Scotland from April 27 to May 4.

India took the lead through Soundarya Yendala in the 18th minute before Sunita made the scoreline 2-0 a few minutes later. Irelands pulled one back when Nicola Evans scored before half time to leave the game interestingly poised.

India soaked up all the Irish pressure in the second half to force a narrow win, which enabled them to clinch the three-match Test series with one match still to be played.

Earlier, India overwhelmed Ireland 3-1 in the opening Test. The Blueskirts were pushed on the backfoot when they leaked an early goal as Megan Frazer converted a penalty corner in the 4th minute much to the joy of the home supporters.

The hosts kept India at bay and held on to the solitary goal lead at half-time.However, the Indian eves looked a transformed outfit in the second half as they attacked with more purpose and conviction. Poonam Rani restored early in the second stanza.

Captain Ritu Rani gave India the lead in the 61st minute before Sunita Lakra notched up the insurance goal in the dying moments, making the most of a penalty corner for India.

Both teams will face off in the third Test on April 18.