Sydney, June 05: Sandeep Michael struck twice as India overcame a spirited resistance from Australia 'A' to carve out a thrilling 4-3 victory in a league match in the second leg of the three-nation invitational hockey tournament here today. The victory put India on road to another title showdown with Australia who beat Pakistan by an identical 4-3 margin in the other match today. India had played out a 3-3 draw with Australia in the first league match yesterday while Pakistan had scored a 1-0 win against Australia 'A'.

Michael produced a brilliant field goal in the 52nd minute to break the 3-3 deadlock after Tristrom Woodhouse's second goal in the 50th minute had put Australia 'A' on par with India.
Australia 'A' had twice earlier taken the lead, scoring through Woodhouse in the 6th minute and -- after Dilip Tirkey had equalised in the 23rd minute -- Grant Schubert in the 29th minute.

Michael's first goal came in the 32nd minute which left the two sides equal at 2-2 at half time.
The Indians completely dominated the second half making a series of rallies into the Australian striking circle. It was Prabhjot Singh who put India ahead for the first time in the match when he sounded the board in the 43rd minute.

Woodhouse managed to draw parity for Australia 'A' but the Indians struck back just two minutes later to seal the match in their favour.
Bureau Report