World No.8 India played out a fighting 1-1 draw against a higher-ranked England (No.4) in their opening Pool B fixture of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup at the Wagener Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

Petter Isabelle gave England the early lead with a smartly deflected field goal, beating India skipper and goalkeeper Savita Punia all ends up, in the eighth minute. 

Also Read: ‘Expecting Indian community to turn up for our matches,`: Savita Punia

However, the Indians fought back hard and created numerous chances before finally getting the equaliser as Vandana Katariya tapping in a rebound off a penalty corner in the second quarter. In the 56th minute, India had a great chance to surge ahead but Sharmila Devi failed to connect from close range as the ball hit her foot.