Perth: SV Sunil struck the only goal of the match in the third quarter as India stun Australia 1-0 in the third hockey Test to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series, here on Saturday. Rupinder Pal Singh, who played his 100th international match, led the Indian side in the absence of regular skipper Sardar Singh.
The Indian boys kept troubling the Aussie defenders but were unable to net the goal in the first quarter. The second quarter was also barren.
Coming into the third quarter, it was India who broke the shackles and scored the opening goal which left the Kookaburras stunned. In the 34th minute SV Sunil netted the ball from a beautiful pass from Akashdeep Singh.
The Indian played more aggressive after that. They not only ensured good possession but even kept the pressure on the opponent’s defense.
The Australians found it extremely difficult to penetrate into Indian defense. The last quarter saw the Indian defenders skilfully tackling the opponents whenever the Kookaburras attacked their D.
The fourth and final match of series will be played today.
Congratulating Rupinder on his achievement, Hockey India Secretary General Md. Mushtaque Ahmad said, “I am extremely delighted at the way this young man has been playing all this while and the manner in which he has been progressing consistently. Hockey India takes utmost pride in congratulating Rupinder on his accomplishment of 100 International Caps.”
Playing as a fullback, Rupinder is considered one of the best drag flickers in the world. Hailing from Tamil Nadu and making the international debut in May 2010, Rupinder currently has 37 international goals to his credit.
Rupinder scored his first international hat-trick against Great Britain in the 2011 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and later went on to win the top-scorer award in the tournament. The 23-year old defender has also represented India in the 2014 Men’s Hockey World Cup as the Vice Captain of the team.
