India produced a commanding display to thrash Chile 6-0 and book their place in the final of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to four matches.
Forwards Navneet Kaur and Deepika scored two goals each, while Neha and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal also found the net as India overwhelmed their South American opponents from start to finish.
The victory sets up a title clash against hosts New Zealand on Sunday. The Kiwis secured their place in the final after defeating the United States 4-1 in a shoot-off following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
India captain Salima Tete was named player of the match after delivering an influential all-round performance that played a key role in the emphatic victory.
India dominated possession from the opening whistle and took the lead in the sixth minute. Navneet converted the team's first penalty corner with a well-struck effort into the corner to put her side ahead.
The forward doubled India's advantage seven minutes later after Salima surged down the left flank and delivered an accurate cross that Navneet deftly redirected into the goal.
Also read: FIH Women’s Nations Cup: India beat Uruguay 3-2
Chile had little time to recover as India struck again in the 14th minute. Drag-flick specialist Deepika converted a penalty corner before adding her second from another set-piece four minutes later to hand India a commanding 4-0 lead.
Deepika's double took her tally to six goals in the competition, making her the tournament's leading scorer.
India carried the momentum into the second half and continued to exploit penalty corners effectively. Neha made it 5-0 in the 32nd minute with another successful conversion, highlighting India's clinical execution from set-pieces.
Rutuja then added her name to the scoresheet in the 39th minute, firing a reverse hit from open play that beat the Chilean defence and goalkeeper to extend India's lead to six goals.
Chile attempted to salvage some pride in the final quarter and managed to create a few opportunities, but goalkeeper Savita remained alert. The experienced custodian produced a couple of fine saves to ensure India preserved a clean sheet.
The comprehensive victory underlined India's growing confidence and attacking strength as they moved within one win of lifting the Nations Cup title.
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