India vs China in Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024: Player ratings from home team's impressive 3-0 win
The Indian women's hockey team made a strong statement on Saturday by defeating Olympic silver medalist China 3-0 in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
Both China and India came into this match having won all three of their matches in the tournament. This game was seen as a dress rehearsal for the final. The Salima Tete-led home team showed that it has recovered from the disappointment of missing out on an Olympic berth with its brilliant win.
India now sits at the top of the standings and has booked their place in the final of the tournament. They might run into China again in the title clash. If they do so, it would be with a psychological advantage.
Let's analyze the performance of the Indian team by looking at their player ratings.
Player ratings for India from their game vs. China in Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
Sharmila Devi - 7/10
Sharmila was in good form today, playing an active role in the forward line and pressurizing the Chinese defense.
Bichu Devi Kharibam - 8/10
Trailing 2-0 going into the last quarter, China had no option but to go into full attacking mode. This meant that Bichu Devi faced the Chinese onslaught a lot more than Savita in this game. However, the Manipuri goalie did her job effectively and kept a clean sheet for her team.
Savita - 6/10
For the period that Savita was manning the goalpost, India dominated the possession and kept the ball at the other end. As a result, Savita didn't have much to do today.
Sangita Kumari - 7.5/10
After an indifferent game in the last outing, Sangita Kumari was back in a starring role. Not only did she score a goal in the 32nd minute to open the scoring, she was also more precise with her play today.
Udita - 6/10
The usually dependable Indian defender made a few errors in the game. She also made some good saves but overall, it was a below-par, though not a bad, performance.
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke - 5/10
Vaishnavi earned a green card in the match towards the end of the contest. She hasn't been as prominent in the team's performance as other players. Thus, the low score.
Lalremsiami - 7/10
Shifting to the midfield today, Lalremsiami was her usual dependable self. However, this also meant that she wasn't as prominent in this game as the previous matches.
Jyoti - 6/10
Jyoti was efficient as part of the defense today and played her part in keeping a clean sheet for the Indian team.
Navneet Kaur - 7/10
Navneet's dribbling abilities were seen on several occasions today and though she didn't score a goal or provide an assist, the Indian forward did trouble the Chinese defenders.
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam - 7.5/10
Sushila played a key role in India's defense and also set up the team's opening goal with a brilliant long pass from the midfield into the circle.
Sunelita Toppo - 7.5/10
The 17-year-old prodigy gave another demonstration of her immense talent and once again showed that she was destined to be a superstar in the future. One of her runs in the circle dodging defenders, was stunning to watch.
Salima Tete - 8/10
The captain led from the front today and also managed to get on the scoresheet. Her goal, the second for India, was the result of her astute play and alacrity. She was also very active in the midfield for her team.
Neha - 8/10
Neha has become the fulcrum around which the Indian team revolves. She lords over the midfield and links the defense with the forwards seamlessly.
Preeti Dubey - 6/10
Preeti had her moments in the game but they were few compared to the previous match.
Manisha Chauhan - 6.5/10
Manisha contributed to the Indian team's effort today in a meaningful, though relatively small, manner.
Ishika Chaudhary - 6/10
Since India had the upper hand for most of the match, defenders like Ishika didn't have that much work. But they did the job when it was required.
Beauty Dungdung - 7/10
Beauty was again impressive with her work, as she often made attacking moves against the opposition. She too is emerging as a key member of this new Indian team.
Deepika - 6/10
Though Deepika scored a goal today, she didn't have as big an impact on the game as expected. This was partly due to others stepping up and partly because she wasn't at her best. Still, it wasn't that bad a day for her.