India put up a fighting performance but could not avert a defeat, going down 0-1 to Australia in the last round-robin league match of the first phase of a four-nation women's hockey tournament in Auckland on Sunday.
India missed out on taking an early lead when a wrong pass from Rani
to Vandana Katariya was intercepted by their opponents.
However, Australia capitalised on their chance from a penalty corner direct flick rebound which was stopped at the goal-line by Joydeep. The rebound came to Georgia Nanscawen and she made no mistake in putting the ball behind the net in the sixth minute of the match.
The Australians dominated in the first half and started penetration through cross hits from both sides. Most of the attempts were protected by the defenders Joydeep and Kirandeep Kaur.
India started well in the second half with an attacking approach but failed to score a goal.
India will play against USA for the third and fourth position match on Monday.