Stellenbosch (South Africa), Feb 29 (IANS) The Indian women’s hockey team suffered their second successive defeat, but not without a fight, going down 2-3 to World No.8 Germany in their penultimate contest of the tour of South Africa here.
Sunday’s first period started with India looking to make up for the loss (0-3) in the previous encounter against the same team on Saturday. India started on an attacking note and were soon rewarded with a penalty corner, which was converted by Sunita Lakra, giving her team the much required 1-0 lead.
Germany looked at levelling things up in the second quarter Lisa Marie Schutze did what was required from the European team as she secured a field goal to make it 1-1. India fought back with a counter-attacking game and in the final moments of first half Anuradha Devi Thokchom made it 2-1.
Germany came back strongly through Hannah Kruger, who converted a penalty corner in the next minute, once again bringing back the equilibrium.
The third quarter witnessed no goals from either team as both defensive lines were on top.
The final quarter witnessed a stark change as both teams moved into complete attack mode, playing an extremely pressing game. In the drying moments of the encounter, Hannah came out on top for Germany by converting her second penalty corner to give her team an exciting 3-2 win.
India play their final tour match against Scotland, whom they beat 5-0 here on February 25, on March 1.