Muscat, Dec 9 (NationPress) Penalty-corner specialist Deepika achieved a hat-trick as the Indian junior women’s hockey team maintained their winning streak with a decisive 5-0 triumph over Malaysia during their second Pool A match in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup on Monday.

Deepika found the back of the net in the 37th, 39th, and 48th minutes, while Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (32’) and Kanika Siwach (38’) also contributed to the scoreline.

After a goalless first half, India regained their rhythm in the last two quarters, securing a comfortable victory to sustain their robust performance in the tournament. The match opened with India showing strength and dominating possession, yet they squandered several scoring chances. They were awarded three consecutive penalty corners towards the end of the first quarter, but Deepika's attempts were thwarted by Malaysia's goalkeeper, Nur Zainal.

The second quarter mirrored the first, as India continued to control the game but struggled with finishing in the shooting circle, leading to lost possession. Malaysia tried to penetrate India’s solid defense with long scooped passes, but the backline remained unyielding, preventing any notable chances.

With no goals on the board, both teams entered the locker room frustrated at halftime.

India turned the tide in the third quarter, scoring four goals within a short span to seize a commanding lead. A penalty corner earned in the 32nd minute saw Puja Sahoo cleverly redirect the ball to the left, where Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke was waiting to slot it into the net. Riding the wave of momentum, India took control of the match. The second goal materialized in the 37th minute when Deepika displayed her drag-flicking prowess, blasting a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to widen the lead.

Just a minute later, India executed a swift counterattack as Binima Dhan raced down the right flank and assisted Kanika Siwach, who delivered a magnificent field goal from a distance. In the 39th minute, Lalrinpuii was fouled by the Malaysian goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty stroke. Deepika confidently converted the opportunity. In the final quarter, India was awarded another penalty corner in the 48th minute, which Deepika expertly converted with a low, driven shot past the goalkeeper, completing her hat-trick and elevating India's score to 5-0 by the match's conclusion.

India's next challenge is against China on Wednesday (December 11) at 20:30 hours IST. Both India and China have secured victories in two matches within the five-team Pool A. The other teams in Pool A include Thailand and Bangladesh, while Pool B consists of Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

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