Three-time defending champion Netherlands stands between India and a place in the next stage of the Women’s Hockey World Cup on Friday, making their most recent meeting an intriguing source of inspiration. When the teams last met in February 2025 in the FIH Pro League, India stunned the world No. 1, Olympic and world champion, beating the Dutch 2-1 in a shootout after fighting back from two goals down.
It was a result that looked improbable when the evening began. The Netherlands dominated the opening half, winning six Penalty Corners and creating six shots from open play. Pien Sanders and Fay van der Elst put the Dutch 2-0 ahead by the 28th minute, and India appeared destined for another defeat against an opponent it had beaten only twice previously.
Instead, India changed the complexion of the contest with sharper two-touch hockey and short passing that helped it break the Dutch press. Deepika pulled one back in the 35th minute, lifting the ball into the net after receiving a pass near the dotted line.
Eight minutes later, India completed the comeback. Sharmila sent a controlled pass from the backline into the circle and Baljeet Kaur found the narrowest of gaps to tap it home.
The game went to a shootout, an area where India had suffered against the Netherlands in 2022, losing 1-3. This time, though, Savita Punia stood between the Dutch and victory.
Playing her 301st international, Savita produced four saves, including the decisive stop from Pien Dicke. Deepika and Mumtaz converted for India, while Marijn Veen was the only Dutch player to score as India prevailed 2-1.
The victory was only India’s third against the Netherlands and ended a remarkable run for the Dutch, who had lost only twice since the start of 2024 before that match.
Against the Netherlands again tonight, India will hope that 2025 provides more than a memory. It can be a blueprint.
Published on Aug 21, 2026
