India Hold Nerve to Beat Australia 3-1 in Shootout, End Hobart Leg on a High

India signed off from the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 with character and composure. After a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time, India outclassed Australia 3-1 in the shootout to collect the crucial bonus point.

It was a night that belonged to young goalkeeper Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar.

Shilanand Lakra (51’) scored India’s equaliser after Australia captain Jeremy Hayward (49’) had broken the deadlock from a penalty corner. But when the game went into the shootout, Mohith stood tall, denying the hosts three times to script a memorable finish for India.

A Tactical First Half, No Room Given

The contest opened with intensity. Australia controlled possession early, but India were compact, disciplined and sharp on the counter. Mohith made a couple of sharp saves in the first quarter to keep the scores level.

India’s first penalty corner in the 11th minute saw Amandeep Lakra’s dragflick blocked by the first rusher. Soon after, Abhishek’s deflection from the left went inches wide.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Abhishek created a fine chance in the 16th minute, setting up Manmeet Singh inside the circle, but the Australian goalkeeper stood firm. At the other end, Suraj Karkera produced a brilliant stick save from a penalty corner in the 25th minute to deny the hosts.

It remained goalless at half-time, but the pressure was building.

Mohith’s Moment Before Lakra’s Finish

India earned another penalty corner in the 38th minute, but Araijeet Singh Hundal’s attempt was comfortably dealt with. Minutes later, Hundal came close again after receiving a clever ball from Amit Rohidas, only to see his deflection drift narrowly away.

Australia pushed hard in the third quarter with back-to-back penalty corners in the 42nd and 45th minutes. Joel Rintala’s dragflick struck the post, and Mohith reacted sharply on the line before blocking the rebound as well. Another penalty corner save followed, underlining the young goalkeeper’s growing authority in the circle.

The breakthrough finally came in the 49th minute. Jeremy Hayward converted from a penalty corner to give Australia the lead.

But India responded immediately.

Hardik Singh sparked the move with a sharp pass to Abhishek on the right. Abhishek drove forward and slipped the ball to Poovanna Chandura Boby, who squared it perfectly for Shilanand Lakra. The forward made no mistake, calmly slotting home in the 51st minute to restore parity.

Momentum had shifted.

India pressed relentlessly in the final minutes, earning successive penalty corners, but the Australian defence held on. The contest moved to a shootout.

Shootout Steel

In the one-on-one duel, India were clinical. Shilanand Lakra, Maninder Singh and Vishnukant Singh converted confidently.

Australia, however, found Mohith impossible to beat. The young goalkeeper denied the hosts three times, sealing a 3-1 shootout victory and ensuring India walked away with the bonus point.

A Statement Finish in Hobart

This was more than just a win. It was resilience under pressure. It was young shoulders stepping up. It was India refusing to leave Hobart quietly.

Sometimes, a tour does not end with noise. It ends with belief.

And in Hobart, India found theirs.