Antwerp, June 14 (UNI) Another European heartbreak struck the Indian Men's Hockey Team as they let slip a two-goal cushion to go down 2-3 against Australia in their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 match here on Saturday.
Playing without regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the Indians looked on course to snap their four-match losing streak after Abhishek (8’, 35’) netted twice in a fine individual performance. But Australia mounted a fierce final-quarter comeback with goals from Nathan Ephraums (42'), Joel Rintala (56') and Tom Craig (60') to turn the game on its head.
India struck early in the opening quarter with Abhishek finishing off a clever midfield pass from veteran Manpreet Singh, who featured in his 399th international. The 1-0 lead set the tone for a confident Indian performance as goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood tall against Australia’s penalty corner battery.