Australia Defeat India 4-2 in Key Sultan of Johor Cup Encounter

Image Credit: Hockey India

Australia overturned a halftime deficit to defeat India 4-2 in their fourth pool match of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on October 15 2025. India led at the break through captain Rohit’s penalty corner strike in the 22' but conceded four unanswered goals after halftime.​

The first half was controlled by India who secured two penalty corners in quick succession. Rohit converted the second opportunity with a low flick past the goalkeeper in the 22'. Australia threatened in the opening minutes but were kept at bay by goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh until the interval, as India maintained 60% possession and created chances on the counter.​

Australia’s adjustment at halftime shifted the momentum. Oscar Sproule equalised in the 39' following a swift move down the right flank that left him unmarked at the far post. Within sixty seconds Andrew Patrick capitalised on a penalty corner rebound to put Australia ahead. Sproule struck again in the 42' with a backhand finish from close range, exploiting space behind India’s defensive line. Captain Dylan Downey extended the lead to 4-1 in the 51' by converting his team’s fifth penalty corner after India failed to clear the initial injection.​

India responded in the final minute when Arshdeep Singh deflected a shot into the net from inside the circle, but the effort proved insufficient. The loss leaves India second in the pool with seven points, requiring a positive result against Malaysia to secure a place in the final.