New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS): Anupa Barla scored twice as India came from behind to beat Australia 3-2 and finish third in the four-nation women's under-21 hockey tournament at the National Stadium here Saturday.

Australia's Peris Brooke opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. India bounced back in the action-packed second half with captain Poonam Rani slotting the equaliser in the 37th minute. Australia went ahead again in the 42nd minute through Kate Gilmore. Barla then scored in the 42nd and 65th minute to see the team through.

The Indian girls' were down on morale after losing to Germany and failing to make it to the final Friday. But Saturday, infront of a small crowd they gave a good account of themselves.

Both team missed a few chances in the first half. Australia, however, were more dominant in attack. Stephaine Kershaw's shot from a goalmouth scramble was saved by Indian goalkeeper Sukmani Virk, but she failed to stop Brooke's stroke that gave Australia the lead.

India stepped up the attack in the second half and were in command. The combination of Poonam and Barla created opportunities upfront with their swift moves. Poonam was beautifully positioned to deflect a penalty corner, two minutes into the second half, for the equaliser.

Australia,however, snatched back the lead with a clean penalty corner strike by Gilmore.

Barla levelled after latching onto a pass from Neha Goyal and hitting a reverse hit from the top of the circle. Poonam and Barla then combined for a fast move through the right flank, but the latter's shot went wide of the post. Barla however made amends in her next opportunity, hitting it past Joceyln Bartram for the winner.

Australia had a good chance to taking the match to extra time, but Peris could not deflect in a centre.

Rani, who also plays in the senior team, praised Barla and said it was a satisfying result for the team.

"We had a small chat in the half-time. I told the girls we can play better hockey. We were more motivated in the second half," said Rani.