Gotcha: Hockey Team Witnesses Its 'Gabba Moment' As India Defeats Australia After 52 Years In Olympics

In what seems to be Indian Hockey team's 'Gabba moment', India has achieved a significant 3-2 win against Australia according to a report from the Times of India.

This win concluded their pool matches on a high note, with the team already having secured a place in the quarterfinals of the men's hockey tournament at the Paris Olympics.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh was instrumental in the victory, scoring two goals in the 13th and 32nd minutes, bringing his total to six goals in the tournament.

Abhishek scored India's opening goal in the 12th minute, giving the team an early lead. Australia's goals came from Tom Craig (25th) and Blake Govers (55th).

Veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh delivered an outstanding performance in his final international competition, with several crucial saves that maintained India's lead.

The Indian team started aggressively, making two circle entries within the first two minutes. Sreejesh made critical saves, including one in the 11th minute that led to a penalty corner, though Jeremy Hayward's attempt missed the target.

India took the lead in the 12th minute through Abhishek, who capitalised on a rebound to score past goalkeeper Andrew Charter. A minute later, India earned a penalty corner, and Harmanpreet scored with a powerful, grounded flick. Despite Australia's efforts, including a penalty corner shot blocked by Sreejesh, India led 2-1 at halftime.

In the 25th minute, Australia earned their third penalty corner, resulting in a goal by Craig. However, India soon earned another penalty corner, with Harmanpreet converting a penalty stroke.

Although Govers scored a late goal from a penalty stroke, reducing the margin, the Indian defense held firm, securing a historic victory over Australia.

This victory marked India's first win over Australia in the Olympic hockey tournament since the 1972 Munich Olympics.

On 19 January 2021, India registered a historic Test win against Australia in Gabba stadium, a venue where Australia had remained unbeaten since 1988. India had won the series 2-1 under Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy.