The Australian hockey team thrashed India by four goals to nil to win their ninth title at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Thomas Craig and Matt Ghodes both scored two goals each as the bad form of Indian defence continued in the finals.
Indian team made a good start to the game, enjoying 52 percent of ball possession in the first quarter where they were able to hold the Aussies to 0-0. However, India felt the first chink in their defensive armour in the second quarter when Craig tapped the ball in the scoring area and then slammed the ball past the Indian goalkeeper in the 25th minute of the match.
India seemed to be making a comeback when they were awarded a penalty corner in the third quarter but it was an opportunity wasted by the men in blue. After that, Australians didn’t look back as they slammed two more goals making the score line 3-0 by the end of the third quarter. The second goal was scored by Craig while Ghodes bagged the third goal.
Australia toyed with the Indian team for most of the final quarter before Ghodes scored the fourth and final goal of the game, putting the icing on the cake for the champions.
Final Score: Australia 4 India 0.
Scorers: Thomas Craig 25’ 35’ Matt Ghodes 43’ 57’
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