The Indian women’s hockey team continued their brilliant start to the Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 as they built on the heroic draw against Asian champions China by defeating South Africa 6-1 on Tuesday (August 18) at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. The result means that with one match remaining, the Women in Saffron are top of Group D.

Both India and China have four points each, but the Salima Tete-led side has a better goal difference. They played out a 2-2 draw against each other. While the Indians defeated the African side, the Paris Olympics silver medalist beat England 4-2 earlier in the day.

India scored three goals in both halves, with Chaudhary Ishika (15′), Navneet Kaur (17′), Pukh­rambam Sushila Chanu (25′), Deepika (38′), Lalremsiami (44′), and Rana Sakshi (45′) finding the back of the net before Kayla de Waal scored in the 55th minute.

In the final group-stage games, which will take place at the same venue on Thursday (August 20), India will face England, while South Africa and China go head-to-head. Today’s results have put the equation in the hands of the two Asian nations.

India will qualify for the second round even with a draw against England. A win will put them as favourites to seal the top spot, but that will come down to the margin of victory for the women in saffron and the Chinese on the day. The good news for the Sjoerd Marijne-coached side is that even if India draws against England, both they and China will carry one point forward to the second round.

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However, India cannot take their foot off the pedal, as a defeat against England will knock them out unless South Africa beat China.