India held world No. 4 and Olympic silver medallists China to a 2-2 draw in their opening Pool D game, earning a valuable point in their bid to finish among the top two. England lead the group after their 4-0 win over South Africa, while India and China sit level on one point.
The importance of Tuesday’s fixture is heightened by the tournament format. The top two teams from each pool move into the second round, with results against a progressing team from the same pool carried forward. India and China would therefore carry their one point each if both advance, while they would not meet again in that phase.
A victory over 18th-ranked South Africa would give India a major boost before their final pool match and strengthen their qualification prospects. However, coach Sjoerd Marijne has stressed the need for consistency after India allowed China back into the contest following a strong first half.
“We scored a penalty corner and a field goal, but I’m not happy with the third quarter. We need to work on ball possession and ball retention,” Marijne said.
India will hope Deepika, Navneet Kaur and their promising World Cup debutants can maintain the attacking momentum while avoiding complacency against a South African side under pressure after their heavy defeat to England.
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