Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Mar 10: The India women's national field hockey team squandered several scoring opportunities and settled for a 2-2 draw against the Scotland women's national field hockey team in their second Group B match of the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.
Despite dominating possession and entering the Scottish circle 23 times, India failed to convert most of their chances, while Scotland capitalised efficiently on two of their 10 circle penetrations to secure a hard-fought draw.
Scotland stunned the home crowd in the sixth minute when Heather McEwan scored from a well-executed penalty corner routine. The goal came after Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi had made a double save, but McEwan deflected a shot from Jennifer Eadie to put Scotland ahead.
India attempted to increase the tempo using aerial balls but struggled to trap them effectively. Their first penalty corner, earned through Lalremsiami, went waste as Udita struck the ball wide.
Another opportunity in the 14th minute was squandered when Baljeet Kaur failed to trap a push from captain Salima Tete during a penalty corner, allowing Scotland to mount a counterattack that was eventually stopped by the Indian defence.
India equalised in the 18th minute when Navneet Kaur converted after the Indian attackers recycled possession following a fumble in trapping the ball, beating Scottish goalkeeper Jessica Buchanan to make it 1-1.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time through Sunelita Toppo, who showed quick awareness to tap in a rebound near the goalpost after the ball came off the woodwork, putting India ahead 2-1.
However, India’s advantage did not last long. In the second half, Scotland equalised when McEwan produced a fine run inside the Indian circle and set up Fiona Burnet, who finished clinically to make it 2-2.
India pushed hard in the final quarter, with Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur creating several opportunities, but Buchanan produced crucial saves to deny the hosts a winning goal.
Before the match, head coach Sjoerd Marijne had emphasised the need for patience in possession, but India struggled with composure in the attacking third.
Despite the draw, India remain at the top of Group B with four points and will next face the Wales women's national field hockey team on Wednesday.