Indian women's hockey team produced a splendid all-round performance to register a 3-1 win in the fourth match of their five-match series against South Korea here at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre on Friday. The victory for world No. 10 India saw them take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series with a match remaining to be played on Sunday.
Two goals in the first quarter by Gurjit Kaur (2') and Deepika (14') put India in a commanding position, while Poonam Rani's field goal in the 47th minute secured the victory for the visitors as Mi Hyun Park (57') scored a consolation goal for South Korea.
The early stages of the match saw India put pressure on the South Korean defence to win themselves a penalty corner in only the 2nd minute, which was well-converted by Gurjit Kaur. India won another penalty corner in the 14th minute, which was netted by Deepika to put India in a commanding position at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the two teams tried to get behind each other's defence but neither could beat the defensive line or earn themselves a scoring opportunity as the defences for both the teams stood tall.
The penultimate quarter India produced a marvellous team move which was made up of some precise passing and clever skilful play as Vandana Katariya's in-field pass was slotted into the back of the net by Poonam Rani in the 47th minute.
The third goal put India in a strong position to wrap up a series win. However, the hosts scored a consolation goal in the 57th minute through Mi Hyun Park.
India will next play their fifth and final match of series against South Korea on March 11.
(With Agency Inputs)
