Kolkata, Oct. 8 -- A new-look Indian women's team held their own for much of the first half before conceding a 0-4 defeat to Russia in the first of two international friendlies at the rain-soaked Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Thursday.

Iana Sheina's moment of brilliance gave the visitors the lead in the 40th minute, and substitute Kira Petukhova struck twice in the 60th and 65th minutes. Iana Svistunova completed the scoring in the 81st minute as Russia's sustained pressure wore down the Blue Tigresses after the break, as per the AIFF website.

Head coach Crispin Chettri used the occasion to test his emerging players, handing international debuts to Babysana Devi Thingbaijam, Malati Munda, Cindy Colney, Shubhangi Singh, Dhurga Perumal and...