Potchefstroom April 5: Mumtaz Khan scored a hat-trick as the Indian women’s hockey team thrashed a lowly Malaysia 4-0 to end its pool engagements with an unbeaten record in the FIH Junior World Cup here on Tuesday.
Assured of a quarterfinal berth before Tuesday’s tie, India scored four field goals – three by Mumtaz (10’, 26’, 59’ minutes) and one by Sangita Kumari (11’).
India finished top of Pool D with nine points from three wins out. The Indian had earlier defeated Wales 5-1 before getting the better of formidable Germany 2-1.
Their confidence on a different level after ensuring a knock-out berth, the Indians completely dominated the proceedings and created a flurry of chances from the word go.
Their efforts bore fruit in the 10th minute when an opportunist Mumtaz scored from close range after the ball fell before her sticks.
India doubled their lead a minute later when Sangita coolly deflected home from a Lalrindiki cross.
In the 26th minute, Mumtaz strcuk again to hand India a 3-0 lead at half time.
India extended their lead a minute from the final hooter through Mumtaz, who deflected home a Beauty Dung Dung’s pass.
India will now face South Korea in the quarterfinals on Friday. (PTI)
