India Women's Hockey draws series 2-2 after 2-3 loss to Australia in Perth
Synopsis
India's women's hockey team arrived in Perth as underdogs, fell behind in the series, and still forced a 2-2 draw against Australia — the hosts needing a 58th-minute winner to deny them a series victory. With the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand next, the tour reads as a confidence-builder, not just a friendly.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Women's Hockey Team drew their four-match friendly series 2-2 against Australia in Perth .
India lost the final game 2-3 , with Courtney Schonell scoring the winner in the 58th minute .
Navneet Kaur and Deepika Soreng scored for India in the final match; India led 2-0 at half-time.
India had earlier won the third match 2-0 , with goals from Sonam (36') and Lalremsiami (49') .
The team next competes at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand .
The Indian Women's Hockey Team wrapped up their four-match friendly series against Australia with a narrow 2-3 defeat in the fourth and final game in Perth on Saturday, 30 May, leaving the series locked at a 2-2 draw. The result caps a resilient tour in which India recovered from an opening-game loss to win two consecutive matches.
How the Final Match Unfolded
India made a blistering start, with Navneet Kaur converting a penalty corner as early as the 2nd minute to hand the visitors a 1-0 lead. Deepika Soreng extended the advantage in the 23rd minute with a composed finish, sending India into the half-time break at 2-0.
Australia mounted a sharp third-quarter comeback, with Abby Wilson (42') and Olivia Downes (44') scoring in quick succession to level the match at 2-2. A late strike from Courtney Schonell in the 58th minute gave the hosts a 3-2 win in the dying moments.
How the Series Played Out
India began the tour with a defeat in the opening game before bouncing back with a 4-2 shootout victory in the second match. The third game showcased India's defensive discipline — the first two quarters ended goalless, before Sonam (36') broke the deadlock with a field goal and Lalremsiami (49') sealed a 2-0 win with a second. The series ultimately ended all square at 2-2.
Key Positives for India
Despite the final-game defeat, India demonstrated notable resilience across the tour — coming from behind in the series, maintaining tactical discipline, and displaying a potent attacking threat. The team's ability to adapt after an opening loss and string together back-to-back wins will be an encouraging sign for the coaching staff.
What Comes Next
India's focus now shifts to the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, the first major assignment of the upcoming season. The Perth tour will be seen as valuable preparation, with the squad having tested their depth and composure against a strong Australian side on home turf.
Point of View
But the manner of the final defeat — surrendering a 2-0 half-time lead in 16 minutes — points to a recurring vulnerability in the third quarter. Australia's rapid two-goal burst between the 42nd and 44th minutes was not an isolated incident; it reflects a pattern of India conceding momentum after strong starts. The FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand will be a sterner test of whether the coaching staff can address that structural gap before the season's high-stakes fixtures arrive.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the India vs Australia women's hockey series in Perth?
The four-match friendly series ended in a 2-2 draw. India lost the final game 2-3 on 30 May in Perth, having won the second and third matches after losing the opener.
Who scored for India in the fourth and final match against Australia?
Navneet Kaur scored via a penalty corner in the 2nd minute and Deepika Soreng added a second in the 23rd minute . India led 2-0 at half-time before Australia's comeback.
How did Australia win the final match?
Australia scored three goals in the second half — through Abby Wilson (42') , Olivia Downes (44') , and Courtney Schonell (58') — to overturn India's 2-0 lead and win 3-2 .
What is India's next major tournament after this series?
India's women's hockey team will next compete in the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand , which is the first major event of the upcoming international season.
What positives can India take from the Australia tour?
India showed resilience by recovering from an opening-game defeat to win two consecutive matches. The team displayed tactical discipline and an effective attacking game, providing useful preparation ahead of the FIH Nations Cup.
