India slam 13 against Lanka

India could afford to play at half pace and still pump in 13 goals without reply against Sri Lanka in their final round-robin match in the inaugural Asian Hockey Federation Cup for girls under-18 in Hong Kong on Friday.

Having already assured themselves of a berth in the final, the Indians rested their star player Annarita Kerketta for the match, the result of which was never in doubt, the only remaining interest being the margin of the Indian victory.

Mamata started the goal rush in the seventh minute with a measured reverse hit, which set the trend till the final hooter.

India got their second goal when Simrajeet's gentle touch met a perfect cross from Anjum in the 20th minute. Two minutes later Surinder Kaur converted a penalty-corner to make it 3-0 and Anita Ekka sounded the board in the 29th minute to give India a comfortable 4-0 lead at the breather.

The Indians showed more urgency in the second half with Amrita scooping in the fifth goal in the 39th minute of the game, after which it was a question of scoring goals which were there for the asking.

Surinder Kaur converted a penalty-corner and then followed by goals by Amrita, Balwinder, Mamata and Simarjeet, which saw the final margin stretch beyond the double digit.

The Sri Lankans were never in the match and could enter the rival circle just thrice.