India women's hockey team beat Australia in shootout, level series 1-1
Synopsis
India's women's hockey team refused to trail in the series, coming from behind in the final quarter to level at 1-1 before outscoring Australia 4-2 in the shootout. With the four-match friendly series now level heading into Friday's third game, this comeback win carries real momentum — and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam's equaliser was the moment that changed everything.
Key Takeaways
India women's hockey team beat Australia 4-2 in a shootout on 27 May 2026 at Perth Hockey Stadium .
The four-match friendly series is now level at 1-1 after India came from behind to draw 1-1 in regulation.
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam scored the crucial equaliser in the 46th minute .
Shootout goals from Navneet Kaur , Ishika Chaudhary , Annu , and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal sealed the win.
Australia won the series opener 2-1 on Tuesday, 26 May , with Abby Wilson scoring twice from penalty corners.
The third match is scheduled for Friday, 29 May 2026 , at 11:00 AM IST at the same venue.
The Indian women's hockey team staged a spirited comeback at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Wednesday, 27 May, equalising the four-match friendly series at 1-1 after forcing a 1-1 draw in regulation and edging Australia 4-2 in the shootout. The result ends Australia's brief series lead and sets up a pivotal third encounter on Friday.
How the Match Unfolded
Olivia Downes gave the hosts an early advantage in the 10th minute, and Australia defended stoutly against a barrage of Indian penalty corners for much of the contest. India's persistence finally paid off when Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam found the net in the 46th minute, restoring parity in the final quarter and sending the match into a shootout.
In the shootout, India were clinical, converting four of their attempts through Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal to seal a 4-2 win and level the series.
Series Context and Match 1 Recap
The four-match friendly series opened on Tuesday, 26 May, with Australia claiming a narrow 2-1 victory at the same venue. India had taken the lead in that opener through Navneet Kaur, who converted a penalty corner in the first quarter. The Indian defence held firm through the first half, but Australia's Abby Wilson turned the tie with two penalty-corner goals in the third and fourth quarters to hand the hosts a comeback win.
Wednesday's result means India have bounced back immediately, demonstrating resilience and an ability to absorb pressure before striking at critical moments — a trait that will matter in the remaining two fixtures.
Key Performers
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam's equaliser was the turning point of the match, rescuing India from a potential series deficit. Navneet Kaur has now been directly involved in goals in both matches, underlining her importance to the side's attack. The shootout composure shown by all four scorers — Kaur, Chaudhary, Annu, and Pisal — will give the coaching staff considerable confidence heading into the second half of the series.
What's Next
The third match of the friendly series is scheduled for Friday, 29 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at the Perth Hockey Stadium. With the series level, both teams will be eager to take the lead ahead of the final game. India will look to carry the momentum of their shootout victory, while Australia will aim to reassert home advantage.
Point of View
In Australia, is not routine. What stands out is India's ability to stay composed in the shootout: four attempts, four conversions. That clinical finishing is precisely the quality that separates medal contenders from also-rans on the international circuit. The bigger question is whether India can carry that nerve into regulation time in the remaining two matches and stop relying on late equalisers.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the India vs Australia women's hockey match on 27 May 2026?
India beat Australia 4-2 in a shootout at Perth Hockey Stadium on 27 May 2026, after the match ended 1-1 in regulation. The result levelled the four-match friendly series at 1-1.
Who scored for India in the match against Australia?
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam scored India's equaliser in the 46th minute during regulation. In the shootout, Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal all converted to secure the 4-2 win.
What happened in the first match of the India-Australia women's hockey series?
Australia won the series opener 2-1 on 26 May 2026 in Perth. India led through a Navneet Kaur penalty corner, but Abby Wilson scored twice from penalty corners in the second half to give Australia a comeback victory.
When is the next match in the India-Australia women's hockey series?
The third match of the four-match friendly series is scheduled for Friday, 29 May 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at Perth Hockey Stadium. The series is currently level at 1-1.
Who is Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam?
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam is an Indian women's hockey player who scored the crucial equalising goal in the 46th minute against Australia on 27 May 2026, helping India force a shootout and ultimately level the series.
