India’s campaign at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup ended on Sunday after the team was held to a goalless draw by Australia in their final second-round match at Amstelveen, the Netherlands. The result sent Australia into the semi-finals on the basis of goals scored.

The equation was straightforward before the match. India needed an outright win to keep its title hopes alive, while Australia only had to avoid defeat. With neither side able to find the net, the advantage stayed with the Hockeyroos.

The result came after the Netherlands defeated China 4-1 earlier in the day, eliminating China from the competition and leaving India and Australia to battle directly for the remaining semi-final place.

India pushed for the decisive goal but could not break through Australia's defence. The lack of goals ultimately proved costly for the Indian side, which needed all three points from the contest.

Australia, meanwhile, approached the game knowing that a draw would be enough. The Hockeyroos managed to keep India scoreless for the full duration and secured their place in the last four.

For India, the result brings an end to a World Cup campaign in which the team had shown promise but could not produce the required result when the semi-final place was at stake. The side will now turn its attention to the classification matches.

The tournament has also highlighted how fine the margins can be at the international level. With India and Australia unable to separate themselves on the field, the number of goals scored became decisive in determining which team would advance.

India’s inability to convert its attacking opportunities into goals was particularly significant in a match where there was little room for error. Australia did not need to chase the game in the same way, allowing the team to focus on maintaining its defensive organisation and protecting the result.

The Indian team, led by captain Salima Tete, will now compete for a fifth- or sixth-place finish. While that is a step away from the semi-final target, the remaining matches will give the side an opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note.

Australia’s progression, meanwhile, keeps its World Cup title challenge alive. The Hockeyroos will now prepare for the semi-final after surviving a tense final second-round contest against India.

For India, Sunday’s draw was ultimately enough to end its hopes of reaching the last four. The scoreline remained 0-0 until the final whistle, leaving the Indian players with no way back into the semi-final race.