India secured a place in the second round of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 after holding England to a 0-0 draw in their final Pool D match on Thursday, finishing second in the group behind China.
India needed only a draw to progress but attacked positively from the outset, earning three penalty corners in the opening quarter. However, they were unable to convert any of their opportunities and also missed a few chances from open play.
The match remained evenly contested in the second quarter before England took control after the break. India struggled to retain possession as England repeatedly won penalty corners and mounted sustained pressure in the third quarter.
India’s defence, however, held firm. Salima Tete made crucial interventions while Sakshi Rana produced a goal-line clearance and goalkeeper Savita Punia made several important saves to keep England at bay.
India entered the final quarter needing to withstand another 15 minutes of pressure to secure qualification. England continued to attack in waves and removed their goalkeeper in the closing stages to gain an additional outfield player.
India’s defence remained resolute, with goalkeeper Bichu Devi making a decisive save in the dying moments. With only seconds remaining, Tessa Howard’s effort appeared to be heading into the corner, but Bichu dived to her left to keep the ball out and preserve India’s clean sheet.
“Today, we defended really well as a team. England are a very good team. But we did not stop fighting till the last minute,” India captain Salima Tete said after the match, according to ESPN.
India will face the Netherlands in their opening match of the second pool phase on Friday evening.
(ANI Inputs)
