Shooting Stars: India Clinch Shootout Win Over Australia

Momentum swung dramatically at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Wednesday night. After Australia took an early advantage through Olivia Downes, India absorbed pressure and struck back late in the final quarter. Shiela Chanu Pukhrambam's equaliser forced the match into a shootout, where clinical finishing from Navneet Kaur, Ishika Chaudhary, Annu and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal delivered a 4-2 triumph. The result cancelled out Tuesday's narrow 2-1 defeat and ensured the four-game friendly series remains delicately poised at one win apiece, with the third fixture set for Friday morning.