India women's hockey team beat Australia 2-0, lead Perth series 2-1
Synopsis
India's women's hockey team arrived in Australia, lost the opener, and then won back-to-back matches — including a disciplined 2-0 shutout — to lead the four-match friendly series 2-1. With the decider on Saturday, India are one win away from a series victory on Australian soil.
Key Takeaways
India defeated Australia 2-0 in the third match of the friendly series at Perth Hockey Stadium on 29 May 2026 .
Sonam (36') and Lalremsiami (49') scored the goals, both from open play.
India now lead the four-match series 2-1 , having recovered from a 2-1 defeat in the opening game.
The second match was won 4-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw, with goals from Navneet Kaur , Ishika Chaudhary , Annu , and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal .
The fourth and final match is scheduled for 30 May 2026 at 11:00 AM IST at the same venue.
The Indian Women's Hockey Team claimed a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia in the third match of the four-game friendly series at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Friday, 29 May 2026, taking a 2-1 lead in the series with one match to play. The win marks India's second successive victory after bouncing back from a narrow opening-game defeat.
How the Match Unfolded
A disciplined defensive display from both sides meant the opening two quarters produced no goals, with the scoreline locked at 0-0 at half-time. India broke the deadlock in the third quarter when Sonam scored a field goal in the 36th minute to put the visitors ahead.
India carried that momentum into the final quarter, with Lalremsiami doubling the advantage with another field goal in the 49th minute to seal a convincing 2-0 result.
Series So Far: A Comeback Story
India's path to the series lead has been a study in resilience. In the opening match, Australia secured a narrow 2-1 win in Perth, with Abby Wilson converting two penalty corners in the third and fourth quarters to overturn an early lead given by Navneet Kaur from a penalty corner.
India levelled the series in the second match through a gritty fightback. Olivia Downes put Australia ahead in the 10th minute, but Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam equalised in the 46th minute to force a 1-1 draw. India then edged the hosts 4-2 in the shootout, with goals from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal securing the win.
What the Win Means for India
The back-to-back victories represent a sharp upturn in form, particularly given the defensive solidity India showed in the third match — restricting a formidable Australian side to zero shots converted across 60 minutes. Notably, India's goals in the series have come from a mix of penalty-corner conversions and open-play field goals, reflecting attacking versatility.
This is a confidence-building tour ahead of upcoming international commitments, and the ability to absorb an early series defeat and respond with two consecutive wins underlines the team's mental fortitude.
What's Next
The fourth and final match of the series is scheduled for Saturday, 30 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at the Perth Hockey Stadium. India will look to seal the series, while Australia will be eager to level matters and force a 2-2 finish.
Point of View
Win two straight, including a clean sheet. That kind of response under pressure is precisely what separates touring sides that develop from those that simply participate. The real test on Saturday is whether India can close out a series win in Australia, which would carry weight well beyond a friendly fixture.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Australia women's hockey third match?
India beat Australia 2-0 in the third match of the four-game friendly series at Perth Hockey Stadium on 29 May 2026. Sonam scored in the 36th minute and Lalremsiami added a second in the 49th minute, both through field goals.
Who scored for India in the third hockey match against Australia?
Sonam scored India's first goal in the 36th minute, and Lalremsiami added the second in the 49th minute. Both goals came from open play in the second half.
What is the current series score between India and Australia women's hockey?
India lead the four-match friendly series 2-1 heading into the final match. Australia won the opener 2-1, India won the second match 4-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw, and India won the third match 2-0.
When is the fourth match of the India vs Australia women's hockey series?
The fourth and final match is scheduled for Saturday, 30 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at Perth Hockey Stadium in Australia.
How did India win the second match of the series?
India came from behind to draw 1-1 in regulation — Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam equalised in the 46th minute after Australia's Olivia Downes had scored in the 10th minute — and then won 4-2 in the shootout through goals from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
