Amstelveen, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian women’s hockey team produced a determined defensive display to hold England to a 0-0 draw in their final Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Thursday, securing a place in the second round and keeping their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
India entered the contest with four points and needed at least a draw to finish among the top two, while England had to win to progress. China had already secured top spot in the pool after defeating South Africa 5-1.
The draw saw India finish second in Pool D with five points from three matches. China topped the group with seven points. India and China now advance to the next phase, where they will be joined by the Netherlands and Australia. India will face world No. 1 Netherlands on Friday before taking on Australia.
The match was goalless but highly competitive, particularly after half-time as England mounted sustained pressure. India conceded 28 circle entries and defended 12 penalty corners, with goalkeepers Bichu Devi Kharibam and Savita making crucial saves and the defence repeatedly blocking dangerous attempts.
India began positively and earned three penalty corners in the opening quarter, although Navneet Kaur and Deepika could not convert the opportunities. England also won its first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but India dealt with the threat comfortably.
The second quarter saw chances at both ends. Sushila Chanu made an important intervention to deny England, while India came close through Ishika and Salima Tete. Deepika’s penalty-corner effort was subsequently saved before England created opportunities of their own.
India started the third quarter with a numerical advantage following Tessa Howard’s suspension and immediately earned a penalty corner. However, England gradually took control of the contest. Savita produced two important saves in quick succession, while India were forced to defend deep.
India were reduced to 10 players after Ishika Chaudhary received a green card in the 42nd minute. England attempted to exploit the numerical advantage and earned successive penalty corners, but the Indian defence repeatedly got in the way of the shots.
The final quarter was dominated by England, who continued to press inside the Indian circle. After failing to find a breakthrough, England removed their goalkeeper with less than five minutes remaining in an all-out attempt to score the winning goal.
India held firm under the late onslaught. With just seconds remaining, Bichu Devi produced a superb diving save to deny England and preserve the clean sheet. The final hooter moments later confirmed India’s passage to the next round.
India earned six penalty corners and made 13 circle entries, but their defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive as they secured the point required to finish second in Pool D.
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