Hyderabad, March 14 – The Indian women's hockey team finished in second place at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, losing 0-2 to England in the final at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground in Hyderabad on Saturday. Grace Balsdon (13') and Elizabeth Neal (43') scored for England.
India started the game strongly, with Navneet Kaur helping her team earn a penalty corner within the first two minutes. However, her drag flick from the resulting set piece was saved by the England goalkeeper. The hosts showed good discipline, maintaining a solid defensive shape while also making progress towards the opponent's goal.
However, England gained control of the game towards the end of the first quarter, earning a penalty corner with just two minutes remaining. Grace Balsdon (13') capitalized on this opportunity, scoring with a drag flick and her fifth goal from a penalty corner in the tournament, giving England the lead.
The second quarter began similarly to the first, with both teams keeping the game close. With 8 circle penetrations in the first half, India put pressure on the England defence but didn't really test the England goalkeeper, allowing the visitors to maintain their one-goal advantage at halftime.
With the lead, England controlled the tempo of the game by efficiently moving the ball and maintaining possession. India had several opportunities to increase the pressure, but the visitors remained solid at the back. They eventually extended their lead thanks to Elizabeth Neal (43'). The midfielder was fortunate as her shot deflected off an Indian defender before going past Bichu Devi, giving England a 2-0 lead at the end of the third quarter.
India continued to push forward in search of a goal that would get them back into the game. With the score in their favour, England remained positive in their approach and ensured they didn't concede an easy opportunity to the hosts. The final quarter was a free-flowing affair as India earned a penalty corner in the final moments. However, they couldn't score and eventually lost 2-0.