The Indian Women’s Hockey developed clinical effectiveness by beating South Africa 4-0 in the third match of the ongoing 2023 four-match series at the University of Cape Town on Thursday.
Rani Rampal (2′), Ekka’s Deep Grace (18′), Vandan Katariya (20′) and Sangita Kumari (46′) scored for India to help the visitors take an undisputed 3-0 lead in a four-legged Test series. In the previous two matches, India defeated South Africa 5-1 and 7-0.
India, eighth in the world hockey rankings and 14th above South Africa, started strong and found the net in the second minute of the match thanks to former captain Rani Rampal.
In the second quarter, India scored twice and definitely took the driver’s seat.
Deep Grace Ekka made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 18th minute and two minutes later Vandana Katariya’s free kick extended India’s lead to three.
South Africa, having conceded seven goals in the previous match, were tight in the third quarter and held off Indian attacks. However, youngster Sangita Kumari scored in the first minute of the fourth quarter to make it 4-0.
India will now face South Africa in the final game of the series on Saturday. India will start a three-match test series against world No. 1 Netherlands at the same venue from January 23.
