India secured their spot in the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26 final with a commanding 6-0 victory over Chile in the semi-finals in Auckland on Saturday.
The Indian side delivered a dominant performance, with Navneet Kaur (6', 13'), Deepika Sehrawat (14', 18'), Neha Goyal (32') and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (39') finding the back of the net.
Captain Salima Tete Shines
Captain Salima Tete was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round display as India booked their place in the final, where they will face the winner of semi-final two between the United States and hosts New Zealand.
Early Breakthrough
India controlled the game from the outset and enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the contest. The breakthrough came in the sixth minute when India earned a penalty corner. Navneet Kaur made no mistake, firing a precise strike into the corner of the net to hand India the lead.
The forward doubled India's advantage seven minutes later, capitalising on a cross from skipper Salima Tete and calmly slotting the ball past the Chilean goalkeeper.
Deepika Sehrawat's Brace
Deepika Sehrawat then joined the scoresheet in the 14th minute, converting a penalty corner to extend India's lead to 3-0. The goals continued to flow as Deepika struck again just four minutes later to complete her brace and put India firmly in control at 4-0 before halftime. The midfielder's double also took her tally to six goals in the tournament, placing her among the leading scorers.
Second Half Dominance
India showed no signs of slowing down after the break. In the 32nd minute, Neha Goyal successfully converted another penalty-corner opportunity, stretching the lead to 5-0 and showcasing India's clinical execution from set-piece situations.
Chile struggled to cope with India's relentless attacking pressure, as Rutuja Pisal added the sixth goal in the 39th minute. The forward produced an innovative reverse hit from open play to complete the scoring and conclude a memorable attacking display.
Solid Defence
While India's forwards dominated the frontline, goalkeeper Savita Punia and the defence unit remained equally impressive. Chile failed to break through India's well-organised defence, with Savita ensuring a shutout through the final quarter.
India now await their opponents in the final, aiming to clinch the title with another commanding performance.
