Nikkin Thimmaiah delivered India’s first and tournament’s second hattrick while Raghunath scored the quickest goal of the tournament as Indians shocked the World Champion and defending Azlan Shah Champion Australia 4-2 to ensure a Bronze medal match for themselves. Australia has already entered the final with four straight wins before this last game of their group stage.
Indians started attacking Aussies right at the start. Raghunath scored the quickest goal of the tournament when in the second innings he got India into the lead. Beale scored the equaliser for Australia in the 14th minute and after first quarter both were tied at 1-1.
Nikkin Thimmaiah took charge from there and scored three consecutive goals. He scored his first goal in 23rd minute as India led 2-1 at half time.
In the third quarter he scored another goal just after the half time in the 32nd minute and India led 3-1 before fourth quarter started.
In the fourth quarter Matt Gohdes scored 2nd goal for Aussies in the 53rd minute. But in the 60th minute Nikkin completed his hattrick and India completed unbelievable win of 4-2 over the group topper Aussies.
India finished 4th at group state with 7 points from 5 games and will play third placed South Korea tomorrow for the Bronze medal match. New Zealand played a thrilling 3-3 draw with South Korea to enter the final with 10 points.
Now, India has the opportunity to avenge their group defeat against South Korea and finish 3rd at Azlan Shah for the 6th time in 19 appearances.
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