Amstelveen: India delivered a commanding performance to outclass South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D fixture at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup on Tuesday, significantly boosting their prospects of advancing to the crossover or knockout stages.

Demonstrating relentless offensive pressure, six different players found the scoresheet for India. A dominant three-goal third-quarter display effectively put the match out of South Africa's reach.

Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by strikes from Navneet Kaur (17th) and Sushila Chanu (25th) to build a comfortable early lead. In the second half, Deepika (38th), Lalremsiami (44th), and Sakshi Rana (45th) scored in rapid succession.

South Africa, whose tournament participation was made possible through last-minute government aid following a public appeal, struggled to match India's tempo. They eventually registered a late consolation goal in the 55th minute when Kayla de Waal converted a penalty corner.

The result provided a huge boost for head coach Sjoerd Marijne, who has brought 11 World Cup debutants into the squad. The substantial margin of victory vastly enhanced India's goal difference, a metric that could be decisive in a tight three-way battle for Pool D's qualification places.

India and China currently sit tied at four points from two matches, with India holding top spot courtesy of their superior goal difference. England remains in contention with three points, while South Africa has been eliminated following consecutive losses. India will face England on Thursday in their final pool match to secure their spot in the next phase.

Early setback to command performance

South Africa threatened early, earning a penalty corner in the fourth minute, but Indian goalkeeper Bichoo Devi dealt with the chance comfortably. India quickly found their footing, creating their first major opening in the seventh minute through a Baljit Kaur-won penalty corner, though Deepika's flick was denied by South African keeper Marlise van Tonder.

India struck first in the 11th minute when Sunelita capitalized on a deflected attempt by Sakshi. Early in the second quarter, Navneet doubled the advantage by disguising her drag-flick angle on a penalty corner, driving the ball past the keeper.

South Africa mounted brief counter-attacks, with Onthatile Zulu making a promising run down the right flank in the 23rd minute, but India's defense held firm. Shortly after, India earned a sequence of penalty corners. On their fifth attempt, Deepika’s flick hit a defender, and Sushila reacted fastest to turn in the rebound for a 3-0 lead.

India nearly added a fourth prior to the interval when Deepika's drag-flick was parried onto the post by Van Tonder. South Africa came close in the 29th minute, but Bichoo closed down Ntsopa Mokoena to keep the scoreline intact at halftime.

Second-half domination

India maintained their high-intensity press after the break. In the 38th minute, a swift passage of play involving Navneet and Baljeet set up Deepika, who controlled the ball before slotting home a precise backhand finish.

Despite South Africa failing to capitalize on a penalty corner shortly after, India put the result beyond doubt with two rapid goals before the close of the third quarter. In the 44th minute, Lalremsiami intercepted a pass from Neha and scored in a fluid, single movement. Just a minute later, Sakshi pounced on a rebound off the post following Ishika's shot to make it 6-0.

South Africa managed to deny India a clean sheet late in the final period through De Waal's penalty corner, but the goal did little to detract from India's statement victory. (PTI)