An in-form India eked out a slim 2-1 win over Japan to register their fourth straight win and storm into the semifinals of the ladies’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey event on Tuesday. After two goalless quarters, Navneet Kaur (thirty first minute) and Sangita Kumari (forty seventh) scored for India, whereas Japan’s lone objective got here from the stick of Kana Urata (thirty seventh). It was a match between two undefeated sides within the event and it lived as much as the billing. India had earlier defeated Thailand 7-1 of their opener earlier than getting the higher of Malaysia and China 5-0 and 2-1 respectively. The Japanese too have been undefeated coming into the match, having registered wins over Malaysia 3-0, South Korea 4-0 and Thailand 4-0 respectively.

It was a battle between Indian assault and Japan’s defence within the first quarter because the hosts relentlessly put strain on the opposition citadel however failed to provide any outcome.

The Japanese largely relied on counter assaults to unsettle the Indians however didn’t breach their defence.

Each the groups didn’t create any clear reduce scoring alternatives from discipline effort within the first quarter.

Nevertheless, it was Japan who had the brightest of probabilities within the type of penalty nook within the thirteenth minute however Ishika Chaudhary was upto the duty to maintain the ball away from the online as the primary quarter ended goalless.

The Japanese put strain within the opening moments of the second quarter and created a few assaults however all these went in useless. The story was the identical because it was within the first quarter as each the groups didn’t create any actual scoring alternative.

Within the final 4 minutes, the Indians got here near scoring at the very least thrice however have been unable to complete the scoring photographs.

India quickly secured their first penalty nook however vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka’s threatening shot to the fitting of Japanese goalie was effectively defended.

It was Japan’s flip to earn a penalty nook subsequent however the Indian defence was upto the duty.

The impasse was lastly damaged a minute after the change of ends by means of Navneet.

A misleading move from Salima Tete within the circle space discovered Navneet, who rotated and fired a robust backhand shot into the Japanese internet.

It took Japan simply six minutes to attract degree from their third penalty nook. Urata introduced her aspect again into the match, completely changing the set piece with a excessive flick to the highest proper nook of the Indian objective.

Within the thirty ninth minute, India secured one other penalty nook, solely to be denied by the Japanese goalkeeper.

It was an electrifying efficiency from each the perimeters within the fourth and closing quarter, which witnessed end-to-end hockey. However it was India, who have been the dominant aspect on show.

Two minutes into the ultimate quarter, India secured a penalty nook and Deepika’s low dragflick was deflected in by Sangita handy the hosts a 2-1 lead.

India secured one other penalty nook within the 53rd minute however the effort was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Akio Tanaka.

From there on, the Japanese pressed onerous for the equaliser however the Indians defended bravely to maintain their opponents at bay and proceed their profitable run.

India will tackle South Korea of their closing league sport on Thursday. PTI SSC SSC ATK ATK