Team India thrashes South Africa, Rani Rampal scores on return

Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, the diligent midfielder who was chosen to start this match against South Africa, played on the field for the first time as a senior. For the young athlete who commanded the Indian Women's Junior Team at the Uniphar U23 5 Nations Tournament in May, it was a historic event.

India dominated possession in the opening minutes of the second quarter and created opportunities at will. As Monika (20') began India's onslaught, they quickly added four more goals.

In the 25th minute, Gurjit Kaur skillfully converted a penalty to increase the Indian Women's Hockey team's advantage while the South African players were finding it difficult to establish themselves in the game.

Sangita Kumari expertly deflected the ball into the goal from a penalty corner just before the quarter came to a finish (30') to further increase the Indian Women's Hockey team's lead. India had a commanding 5-0 lead at the halfway point.

Quanita Bobbs' expert conversion of a penalty corner in the 44th second gave South Africa a chance to get one back and make it 5-1. South Africa began to show hints of a comeback as the third quarter came to a conclusion, but India continued to seem confident with a 4-goal lead.

In the last round of play, India sought to widen its lead while South Africa sought a thrilling conclusion in an effort to salvage something from the contest. South Africa was trying to win the game, but India was keeping the ball with skill.