Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24 -- Sam Ward's brace secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for England over India's men's team in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Ward raised his season's tally to 11 goals by scoring twice (19' and 29') following James Payton's opener (15'). India responded with two goals from Abhishek (18') and Sukhjeet Singh (39') but were undone by some resolute defending from England.

A pacey first quarter witnessed intense attacking action on both ends of the pitch in search of the opening goal, but the defences stood strong. India had a solid chance in the 10th minute when Manpreet Singh threaded a neat ball towards Uttam Singh, but the English back-line cleared the chance.

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