The unbeaten India continue their perfect record by thrashing the table toppers China with a convincing 3-0 win in their Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 match today (November 16, Saturday) at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Bihar. (Match Highlights | More Hockey News)
After a goalless first half, Sangita Kumari broke the deadlock, followed by Salima Tete doubling the lead just five minutes later. Deepika then added a cherry on top with a third goal just before the final whistle. The previously unbeaten China, who had conceded only one goal in their first three matches, were overwhelmed today, conceding three goals in a dominant display by India.
The six-match Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 will see only the top four teams advance to the semi-finals. With their dominant performances so far, reigning champions India and two-time runners-up China have already secured their spots in the semis. This sets the stage for a potential showdown between these two giants in the tournament's summit clash.
The much-anticipated clash between unbeaten India and China in Rajgir was a spectacle from the start. India, buoyed by their home crowd, earned six penalty corners, converting one of them to break the deadlock. Despite China's strong defense, India’s relentless attack proved too much to handle.
Deepika was a standout performer, constantly testing the Chinese goalkeeper, Li Ting, who made crucial saves to deny both a penalty corner attempt and an open-play shot. However, China gradually found their rhythm, creating their own opportunities, but neither team could find the back of the net in the first half.
The second half belonged to India. Sangita Kumari lit up the Rajgir stadium with a brilliant deflection off Sushila Chanu’s drilled pass, scoring the opener. Minutes later, Salima Tete extended the lead with a superb first-time finish from Preeti’s assist after narrowly missing an earlier chance.
And then, just as the final whistle approached, Neha earned India a crucial penalty corner. Deepika stepped up and calmly converted it, marking her eighth goal of the tournament and sealing India’s clean sheet 3-0 victory.
India will next face Japan on November 17, while China will take on South Korea on the same day at the same venue.
