Hastings (New Zealand): India played 0-0 draw with Australia at the Hawke’s Bay Cup here on Tuesday.

The game between India and Australia was intense with both the teams’ defence ensuring that the opponents did not get a chance to reach the nets. It was heartening to see the Indian goalie saving on numerous occasions, leaving the Australians frustrated.

The Indian women team showed good defensive skills in the first quarters they kept the attack of the opponents at bay. Getting a penalty corner, Australia was looking at the initial goal but the alert defence of India cleared the danger. Just two seconds left in the first quarter Australia had another go at the penalty corner but again was saved brilliantly by the Indian goalie and with this the first quarter scores stood at 0-0 with both teams yet to open their account.

The second quarter was again a similar story with India showcasing good defence and thwarting all chances for the opponents to score. Into the second quarter Anuradha Thockchom entered the D of Australia and had a chance to score but was brought down by the defence resulting in a penalty stroke for India. But the goalie for Australia saved and India lost on the opportunity to open the scores. While both the teams continued looking for chances to score but missed capitalising as the defence proved to be stronger. At the end of first half the scores still remained to be opened.

India got their first penalty corner in the third quarter but missed to encash the opportunity. The quarter again resulted in a dry run with both teams still looking at opening their goal score. Immediately into the last quarter Australia attacked and was on the verge of scoring when the Indian goalie saved on the line leaving the opponents stunned. The last session being the deciding, both teams increased their tempo of attack as they looked for the lead and the winning goal. But with goals scored yet again the match was drawn 0-0.

India will play their next match on 16th April against New Zealand at 1130 IST.

The matches will be LIVE Streamed on www.hockeyfestival.nz.