India produced an all-round show to hold formidable China 1-1 in their penultimate Group A match and move closer to the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup. India now need just a draw against Malaysia in their last group match on Wednesday to make it to the semi-finals.

It was the Chinese who started the scoring with Liao Jia Hui putting her side ahead in the 18th minute from the first penalty corner they earned. But Saba Anjum scored the equaliser for India in the 45th minute, converting a short corner to settle for a draw. India are yet to lose a match in the tournament and have routed Singapore and Thailand 13-0 and 15-0 respectively in their first two group matches. With an identical roster of two wins and a draw, both India and China have seven points each, though Malaysia still have a chance of entering the semi-finals.

On an overcast day, the Indian eves made their intentions clear from the beginning and displayed aggressive style of hockey that forced the Chinese on the back foot. But some wayward shooting by the forwards led India down. The attacking duo of Jasjeet Kaur and Rani Ramphal were off-colour with the former missing two open chances.

Standing tall

With veteran Asunta Lakra shining in the midfield, the Chinese were forced to operate through the flanks, only to find Mamta Kharab and Deepika Thakur, playing down the field, standing tall in front of them.

After managing to thwart India’s onslaught in the opening 10 minutes, China made full use of the first penalty corner they earned.

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