Title Holders India Face Acid Test Against China In Women's Act Hockey

Defending champions India will face ir sternest test at women's Asian Champions Trophy when y take on reigning Olympic silver medallists China in a blockbuster contest here on Saturday.

Both India and China are undefeated in tournament so far, having registered three wins from as many games.

But world no. 6 China le points table on account of better goal difference of 21 as against India's 18.

top four teams after round robin stage will qualify for semifinals of six-team tournament.

In last two outings between two sides, at 2023-24 FIH Pro League in February this year, China came out victorious on both occasions.

So, Saturday's match provides a great opportunity for India to settle scores. But it is easier said than done as re is hardly anything to separate two sides.

Both India and China have scored goals aplenty in three matches so far.

While 13-0 thrashing of Thailand have taken India's tally to 20 goals, China still le chart, with 22 strikes.

Against Thailand on Thursday, Indians played a near-perfect game with all ir departments ing at same time.

Salima Tete-led side scored eight field goals and five from penalty corners.

most heartening factor was India's ability to find net from set pieces, which was a cause of concern in first two games. hosts converted five of 12 penalty corners y earned against Thailand with four coming from direct tries.

If Indian backline was hardly tested by Thailand, forward line was led superbly by Deepika, who alone scored five goals, including two from set pieces with direct dragflicks.

Besides Deepika, likes of Preeti Dubey, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami and Beauty Dung and Sangita Kumari also shone bright upfront.

Preeti, Lalremsiami and Manisha Chauhan scored a brace each.

Indian midfield was superbly controlled by skipper Salima and Neha Goyal, with Sushila Chanu and Udita holding fort at backline.

Going into next match, only worry for India would be lack of action for ir defence, with Savita Punia and Bichu Devi Karibam being hardly tested by Thailand team.

Indian midfield and defence will have to be at ir best against nimble-footed Chinese who are known for ir brisk counterattacks.

or important thing will be transition of ball from backline into Chinese circle. Indian strikers are also expected to face a much tougher test against Chinese compared to last game.

most important thing will be to not rush with ball and pick right options inside opposition circle.

India's chief coach Harendra Singh opined that team needs to maintain its structure as it did against Thailand.

"I am happy with way team kept ir structure and managed to manipulate opposition and score goals.

"re was connection between defenders and attacking midfielders and we need to do same in remaining matches," Harendra said after Thursday's match.

In or matches of day, Malaysia will take on Japan while Korea will play Thailand.