Indian team beat Japan 2-1 in the 3rd ‘Hockey Test' to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series, here on Thursday.
Drag-flicker VR Raghunath scored one while Akashdeep Singh displayed brilliant stick-work to score the second goal for his team. Japan's Hirotaka Wakari pulled one back for the visitors. In the first quarter of the match, it was Japan, who put pressure on the Indian defence with their long passes. But Birendra lakra, K Chinglensana and Raghunath foiled Japanese raids with a lot of confidence. led by skipper Sardar Singh, India went on counter with the help of their short passes.
In the 30th minute, India earned their first penalty corner after a quick attack. Dharamvir Singh pushed the ball in and Raghunath dragged it on the right of the Japanese goalie Suguru Shimmoto, who tried to stop it with his right hand but the ball deflected before crashing into the back of the net. However, the joy was short-lived as Japan managed to earn a penalty corner in the 44th which was converted by Wakari.