Antwerp, June 14 (UNI) Another European heartbreak struck the Indian Men's Hockey Team as they let slip a two-goal cushion to go down 2-3 against Australia in their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 match here on Saturday.

Playing without regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the Indians looked on course to snap their four-match losing streak after Abhishek (8’, 35’) netted twice in a fine individual performance. But Australia mounted a fierce final-quarter comeback with goals from Nathan Ephraums (42'), Joel Rintala (56') and Tom Craig (60') to turn the game on its head.

India struck early in the opening quarter with Abhishek finishing off a clever midfield pass from veteran Manpreet Singh, who featured in his 399th international. The 1-0 lead set the tone for a confident Indian performance as goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood tall against Australia’s penalty corner battery.

The second quarter saw India holding firm in defence while threatening on the counter. Mandeep Singh came close to assisting Manpreet for India’s second, but the opportunity went begging.

India’s persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Sukhjeet Singh’s quick thinking set up Abhishek for his second goal, giving India a 2-0 cushion.

But Australia hit back soon after through Ephraums, whose deft finish off Tom Craig’s assist sparked a resurgence. The final quarter saw relentless pressure from the Kookaburras, and although Karkera made a string of saves, Joel Rintala equalised off a penalty corner in the 56th minute.

The hammer blow came just before the final hooter as Craig found the net off another PC, sealing a remarkable comeback for Australia and inflicting a fifth straight loss on India in the European leg.

India will look to bounce back in their next fixture, but the inability to close out games remains a concern ahead of the Olympic year.

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