SV Sunil struck the only goal of the match in the third quarter as India beat Australia 1-0 in the third hockey test to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series in Perth on Saturday.
Rupinder Pal Singh led the Indian side in the absence of regular skipper Sardar Singh.
The Indian boys kept troubling the Aussie defenders but were unable to net the goal in the first quarter. The second quarter was also barren.
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Coming into the third quarter, it was India who broke the shackles and scored the opening goal, which left the Kookaburras stunned. In the 34th minute SV Sunil netted the ball from a beautiful pass from Akashdeep Singh.
The Indian played more aggressive after that. They not only ensured good possession but even kept the pressure on the opponent’s defence.
The Australians found it extremely difficult to penetrate into Indian defence. The last quarter saw the Indian defenders skilfully tackling the opponents whenever the Kookaburras attacked their D.
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Rupinder completes 100 matches
Defender Rupinder Pal Singh achieved a memorable milestone in his hockey career by appearing in his 100th international match.
Playing as a fullback, Rupinder is considered one of the best drag-flickers in the world and currently has 37 international goals to his credit.
Congratulating Rupinder on his achievement, Hockey India Secretary-General Md. Mushtaque Ahmad said, “I am extremely delighted at the way this young man has been playing all this while and the manner in which he has been progressing consistently. Hockey India takes utmost pride in congratulating Rupinder on his accomplishment of 100 international caps.”