Gurjit's last-minute goal steers India past Great Britain

Gurjit Kaur's last-minute effort saw India beat Great Britain 2-1 in a thrilling opening encounter of the five-match women’s hockey series, in Marlow, the United Kingdom.

It was a brilliant come-from-behind victory for India after trailing 0-1 through goals from Sharmila Devi and Gurjit.

Neither team managed to break the deadlock in the first quarter despite sporadic attacks from both.

In the second, India took control of the game and won a couple of penalty-corners in the first few minutes forcing smart saves from custodian Maddie Hinch.

Soon enough, it was Great Britain's turn but in India's goalkeeper Savita Punia pulled off a smart save to deny the home team and the teams went into the breather locked goalless.

Great Britain broke through first in the final quarter, with Emily Defrond scoring in the 46th minute to give her team the much-needed lead.

Despite trailing, India mounted pressure and soon reaped dividends with Sharmila restoring parity.

The match looked like ending in a draw but, with 48 seconds left, India won a penalty-corner and Gurjit successfully converted it.

The second match of the series will be played on Sunday.