IANS

New Delhi, Aug 4: Monorama Devi converted a last minute penalty corner to give India a 3-2 win over Australia in their opening game of the Women's Junior World Cup Hockey in Boston.

Ritu Rani (45th) and Monika Badran (53rd minute) were the other scorers for India while Casey Eastham (31st) and Marnie Hudson (60th minute) were the scorers for Australia in Monday's match, according to information received here.

It was a tough game for India, who were eleventh in the last edition of the tournament, but they did well in the second half by pumping in all the three goals.

The Australians, who finished fourth four years ago, had ten penalty corners. Indian goalkeeper Jasdeep Kaur thwarted the first four attempts but was finally beaten in the 30th minute with a drag-flick by Eastham as the Jillaroos took the lead 1-0.

Australia started off the second half with quick passes but were slowly losing out on speed to the Indians and Rani fired the equaliser with a fine field goal in the 45th minute.

India kept the momentum going and broke the deadlock when Monika was brilliantly set up by Joydeep Kaur and she pushed her shot past custodian Ashley Wells.

Trailing 2-1, Australia intensified their attack and drew level in the 60th minute when Hudson fired home.

India earned their fourth and final penalty corner when Rani Devi was obstructed in the circle in the 70th minute and Monorama fired in the winner. India will play Belarus next.