Sam Ward Shines with a Brace as England Secures Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over India in FIH Hockey Pro League

Bhuvaneshwar: England clinched a nail-biting 3-2 win against India in the FIH Hockey Pro League at Kalinga Stadium on Monday. Sam Ward was the star of the match, scoring two goals that brought his total for the season to 11. James Payton opened the scoring for England in the 15th minute.

India fought back with goals from Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh, but England’s solid defense held strong to secure their victory.

The match kicked off with both teams pushing for an early goal. India nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, but their chance was snuffed out by England’s defense.

England struck first in the closing moments of the first quarter. Payton maneuvered past Indian defenders after receiving the ball on the left and scored to make it 1-0. However, India equalized quickly when Abhishek capitalized on a cross from Sanjay, finding the back of the net just three minutes later.

England responded swiftly. Less than a minute after India’s goal, Ward scored after a quick one-two exchange with Payton, putting England back in the lead at 2-1. They extended their advantage in the 28th minute when Ward slashed the ball into the goal after winning possession inside the circle, making it 3-1.

In the third quarter, India came out with renewed energy and nearly scored but were denied by England’s keeper, James Mazarelo. A key moment came when Ward fell theatrically, seeking a review for misconduct, but replays showed no foul. The incident seemed to motivate India, and they quickly closed the gap in the 39th minute. Hardik Singh set up Sukhjeet Singh, who netted to make it 3-2.

With the momentum shifting, India created several more chances and earned multiple penalty corners, but they couldn’t convert. England’s goalkeeper Mazarelo continued to shine, stopping shots and keeping his team in the lead.

In the fourth quarter, India pushed hard for an equalizer. They won a penalty corner with just under a minute and a half left, but Harmanpreet Singh’s powerful drag-flick was expertly saved by Mazarelo. England held their ground, securing a thrilling victory.