The Indian women's hockey team notched up its best World Cup finish in 32 years by signing off ninth after a thrilling 4-3 win over South Africa in the classification match here.
Teen sensation Rani Rampal scored twice while Saba Anjum and Jasjeet Kaur Handa struck once each to give India their best finish at a World Cup event since the seventh spot in 1978.
The match started in a furious fashion, with South Africa going on the offensive from the very first whistle. India managed to hold out for no longer than three minutes, when Lesley Ann George gave South Africa a deserved lead by slamming home a loose ball with an accurate slap-shot.
India began to look threatening on the counter attack.
In the ninth minute of the match, 15-year-old Rampal brilliantly deflected a penalty corner strike over stricken South Africa keeper Hanli Hattnigh to tie the scores.
Rampal was at it again less than 60 seconds later, this time scoring a stunning reverse stick strike from the left of the circle which flew into the bottom right corner of the South African goal.
Rampal finished on seven goals in the tournament.
{{/usCountry}}Rampal finished on seven goals in the tournament.
{{/usCountry}}The killer blow arrived in the 56th minute when Jasjeet scored to make the final scoreline 4-2.