Indian women’s hockey team draw 1-1 with Ireland

India will end its 10-day tour of Spain with the second and final friendly match against Ireland on Sunday.

India's dragflicker Gurjit Kaur (C) scored for India from a penalty corner in the first half. (File Photo)

World cup silver medallist Ireland fought back against the Indian women's hockey team to draw 1-1 in their first friendly match in Murcia.

After levelling the four-match series with host Spain, India put up a determined performance againsr Ireland. India got off to a good start with breakthrough in the fourth minute when it created a penalty corner opportunity. But the chance went amiss with some good defending by the Irish. 

In the second quarter though, India made up for the lost opportunity when it was awarded a penalty corner for an infringement by an Irish defender. Gurjit, India’s dragflicker, made no mistake in putting the ball past the Irish goalkeeper Emma Buckley in the 18th minute and give India the lead.

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While India defended the lead well, the Irish pushed for an elusive goal. It came in the 45th minute when Ireland struck a field goal through Sarah Hawkshaw and the score was levelled at 1-1.

India remained resolute in its defence in the final quarter. India’s goalkeeper Savita made a brilliant save to deny Ireland a goal off a PC minutes before the final hooter and the match ended in a stalemate.

The visitors will end their 10-day tour of Spain with the second and final friendly match against Ireland on Sunday.