The last time India was involved in a shootout, they faced off against New Zealand at the World Cup crossover and lost.
While PR Sreejesh persevered, India defeated Australia 4-3 in shootouts to defeat them and gain the bonus point in the FIH Pro League mini tournament. There was no repetition. At the end of the allotted time, the score was 2-2. The result helped India stay unbeaten in the mini tournament after they had won the last three matches. It also helped the Indian team stay on top of the league table with 19 points from 8 matches while Australia are sixth with eight from eight.
Prasad, playing his 100th game, and Sukhjeet scored for India during regulation time while Ephraums scored both goals for the visitors.
Although the hosts didn't have it easy, they played excellent defence and kept the Australians at bay for a considerable amount of time. The outcome of the mini-tournament will undoubtedly increase their confidence and aid in their preparation for the remainder of the year.
As anticipated, Harmanpreet fired, but it was obstructed. Nonetheless, Prasad secured the rebound, evaided a defender, and from nearly the top of the D, he used a reverse hit to send the ball in the bottom-right corner. India would have preferred a better start, and when they earned four additional PCs but failed to convert each of them, they had the opportunity to raise it a few minutes later.
Australia didn't lose spirit and kept up the intensity in the third quarter despite their inability to breach the Indian defence. And they were rewarded for their efforts seven minutes into the new game when Pawan knocked down Ephraums inside the D, earning them a penalty shot. Ephraums easily converted as he ascended to take it.
