Hyderabad, March 9 (NationPress) In a gripping encounter, the Indian Women's Hockey Team battled to a 2-2 draw against Scotland in their second Pool B fixture of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, held at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground in Telangana on Monday.

This result leaves both India and Scotland with four points in the standings, but India maintains the top position due to a better goal difference. The goals for India came from Navneet Kaur (18’) and Sunelita Toppo (29’), while Scotland's Heather McEwan (6’) and Fiona Burnet (33’) scored for their side.

Scotland initiated the match, with both teams showing patience in their passing. India, employing a 3-4-3 formation, appeared strong initially but lost their defensive shape momentarily, conceding a penalty corner in the 6th minute. Scotland took advantage of this, as Heather McEwan found the net to give them a 1-0 lead. India responded with persistent forward movements, and after Lalremsiami earned the first penalty corner, Udita's drag-flick went off-target. The pressure continued, leading to another penalty corner in the 14th minute, but a trapping error allowed Scotland to counterattack, which was successfully cleared by Sushila, leaving the score at 1-0 at halftime.

In the second quarter, India quickly regained control. Following a third penalty corner in the 17th minute, despite a fumble, Navneet Kaur (18’) displayed remarkable skill, sending the ball past Scottish goalkeeper Jessica Buchanan to equalize at 1-1. Scotland responded, earning a penalty corner in the 22nd minute, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a fantastic save against Amy Costello’s drag-flick. Scotland ramped up their efforts, but India struck back in the 29th minute. After a tense goalmouth scramble and a rebound off the woodwork from a penalty corner, Sunelita Toppo (29’) was alert enough to tap the ball in, giving India a 2-1 lead at the break.

The third quarter saw both teams fiercely contesting possession. In the 33rd minute, Scotland executed a well-crafted passing move, allowing Fiona Burnet to equalize. After the goal, Scotland controlled the game's tempo, limiting India's attacking opportunities. After absorbing substantial pressure, Lalremsiami worked with Rutuja to earn a penalty corner for India, leading to three consecutive penalty corners. However, India failed to convert, and the score remained 2-2.

As the fourth quarter began, India earned an early penalty corner, but Buchanan made another crucial save. The hosts increased their intensity, launching a threatening attack two minutes later that barely missed the goal. The following five minutes showcased end-to-end action, with India's attacks appearing particularly sharp. With five minutes left, Baljeet made an impressive run, but no teammate was available to finish. Two minutes later, India secured their ninth penalty corner of the match. A rebound off a defender's shin fell favorably, yet Buchanan was there once more to thwart the effort. Despite several late chances for both sides, neither could clinch a victory, resulting in a 2-2 stalemate.

India will next face Wales on Wednesday at 7:30 PM IST.