[[{“value”:”
Navneet Kaur scored a hat-trick as India secured a dominant 4-1 victory against Wales in a Pool B clash at the women`s hockey World Cup Qualifiers here on Wednesday. Kaur (29`, 34`, 55`) led the attack with three goals after Sakshi Rana (7`)`s early strike at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground. Though India had secured a semi-final berth ahead of the fixture, the result ensured they finished as table-toppers. India will now take on Italy on Friday to seal their spot in the final.
India`s speed was on full display in the first quarter as they put immense pressure on their opponents with quick breakaways, despite a high press from the Welsh team. The hosts took the lead as early as the seventh minute when Salima Tete orchestrated a move down the right flank and Sakshi unleashed a powerful reverse hit from the edge of the circle.
India continued to press soon after, with Udita coming close to doubling the lead from a penalty corner, but her effort was cleared off the line. India carried the momentum into the second quarter. On a lightning quick counterattack, Navneet and Lalremsiami linked up with precision, but the final through ball to Lalremsiami was shut down by Wales` Goalkeeper Ffion Horrell. Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi was called into action at the 25-minute mark but she did well to keep out Wales` first penalty corner of the night.
India came close to a second goal through a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Manisha`s effort was inches wide. Just two minutes later, in another penalty corner, Navneet powered a low shot into goal to double India`s lead. The goal capped a dominant first half for India that saw them hold 55% of the possession with as many as 15 circle entries. India stayed on the prowl in the third quarter. Neha came close to finding the back of the net with a reverse hit in the 31st minute but the shot was padded away.
In the 34th minute, a silky run from Sakshi earned India a penalty corner and Navneet made no mistake in completing her brace and making it 3-0. It was Betsan Thomas (39`) who cut down the deficit for Wales, making the most of momentary lapse by India in the circle as she threaded the ball into the net from a tight angle to make it 3-1. In the final quarter, Wales had a chance to turn up the pressure on the hosts when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute, but Wales captain Elizabeth Bingham`s shot was off target. Navneet then went on to complete her hat-trick converting a penalty stroke in the 55th minute.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
“}]]
