India defeated Australia 5-4, break 5 year jinx to win Sultan of Johor Cup

JOHOR: Two-time champions India defeated Australia 5-4 in a nail-biting penalty shootout to reclaim the Sultan of Johor Cup crown, breaking their five-year-old title jinx in Johor Bahru on Saturday.

The teams were level at 1-1 after regulation time. In the shootout, both teams ended with a 3-3 scoreline, forcing the match into sudden death.

Australia controlled proceedings in the early exchanges while captain Uttam Singh and Boby Singh Dhami tried to push India forward. The efforts paid off as India broke the deadlock through Sudeep Chirmako (14th minute). India went into the first break leading 1-0.

Looking to build on the lead in the second quarter, India began on the front foot, with most of the contest being played in Australia's half.

As the quarter progressed, Australia's hunt for the equaliser intensified, and even though India were absorbing the pressure well, Jack Holland (29th min) scored. India and Australia went into the half-time break with the score reading 1-1.

Both sides came back out for the second half with a cautious approach, not keen to allow the opponent any space. IANS

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