File picture: Deepika scored a brace against Uruguay. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

India came from behind to beat Uruguay 3-2 and finish on top of Pool A in the FIH Women’s Nations Cup in New Zealand on Thursday.

Deepika scored a brace while Deepika Soreng added one as India completed a hat-trick of wins in the tournament, having earlier defeated the USA and Japan.

The USA finished second in the pool to join India in the semifinals. India will face the winner of the Chile versus Korea quarterfinal on June 20 for a place in the final.

Uruguay took the lead in the 13th minute when Chiara Appennino converted a Penalty Corner to put India on the back foot.

India responded before half-time through drag-flicker Deepika, who successfully converted a Penalty Corner in the 24th minute to restore parity.

Soreng then swung the momentum firmly in India’s favour with a well-taken field goal in the 43rd minute to hand her side a 2-1 lead heading into the final quarter.

Uruguay captain Manuela Vilar levelled the scores in the 55th minute, but the celebrations were short-lived as Deepika struck again just a minute later, converting another Penalty Corner to seal India’s third straight win.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Neha, who made her 200th appearance for India.

Published on Jun 18, 2026