Hockey Commonwealth Games: Indian women’s squad beat New Zealand 2-1 in the shootout to claim the Bronze Medal in Birmingham

The 1-1 (2-1 SO) victory over New Zealand earned India a bronze finish at the 2022 Commonwealth Games to end their 16-year-long wait for a medal.

Salima Tete in the 29th minute was the lone goalscorer for India, while Olivia Merry scored in the 60th minute for New Zealand to send the match into a shootout.

The match started slowly as the Indian squad held the ball in the midfield. Navneet Kaur and Vandana Katariya penetrated the New Zealand circle a few minutes later but failed to convert.

Rose Tynan launched a counterattack and made a dangerous pass into the Indian circle, but Nisha intercepted in a moment of defensive brilliance. Salima Tete broke into the Kiwi circle, but her shot failed to find the net.

Indian immediately went on the offensive in the second quarter and built pressure on the Kiwi defensive line with consecutive circle penetrations. Navneet Kaur created a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring for India but the Kiwi defense held firm.

India finally got a breakthrough when Salima Tete slotted the ball into a net with an excellent reverse flick to make it 1-0.

New Zealand began looking for the equaliser early in the second half and launched a barrage of attacks, but the Indian defense did not falter. Soon after, Neha and Navneet Kaur broke through the Kiwi defense and sent a pass to Sonika in front of the Kiwi goal.

New Zealand managed to slot the ball into the Indian goal in the ending moments of the third quarter. However, the goal was disallowed after India used their referral which showed a violation in the lead-up.

Sushila Chanu made several threatening attacks in an attempt to extend their lead. Kaitlin Cotter managed to get a shot at the Indian goal through an acute angle, but Indian goalkeeper Savita made a comfortable save.

New Zealand earned a penalty corner in the 60th minute. Olivia Merry took the shot and slotted the ball into the net to level the scores, sending the match into a shootout.

Sonika and Navneet Kaur converted during the shootout for India, while Megan Hull was the only one to score for New Zealand.

India won the shootout 2-1 to clinch the bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games to end their 16-year-long wait for a CWG medal.