England secured a 3-2 victory over India’s men’s team in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Ward raised his season’s tally to 11 goals by scoring brace in the game with James Payton opener.
India responded back few minutes with two goals from Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh (39′) but were undone by some resolute defending from England.
A pacey first quarter witnessed much attacking action on both ends of the pitch in search of the opening goal, but the defences was solid.Â
India had great opportunity in the early minute when Manpreet Singh threaded a neat ball towards Uttam Singh, but the English back line defend the chance.
England are the 2nd highest most scoring team in the tournament and better in defence, but their backline was breached in the final minute of the first quarter. Payton received the ball on the left byline and dribbled past a couple of defenders before sliding the ball under an onrushing Krishan Pathak.
The Englishmen made a surging start to the fourth quarter and would have extended their lead if not for some sublime goalkeeping from Suraj Karkera. Mazarelo was also kept busy as he reacted well to parry away Nilam Xess’ drag-flick with around six minutes to go.
India played forward in search of their third goal and create a great opportunity when Manpreet won a penalty corner with just 86 seconds remaining. Harmanpreet Singh struck a powerful drag-flick, but Mazarelo rose to the occasion once more as England defended strongly to secure a victory.