India, Feb. 23 -- The Indian men's hockey team dished out a much-improved show but still went down to formidable Australia in the penalty shootout in their FIH Pro League match on Sunday. The two sides were tied at 2-2 after full time, with Amit Rohidas (15th) and Jugraj Singh (43rd) putting India in front before a brace from Joel Rintala (47th, 56th) helped Australia get back on level terms.

In the shootout, though, Australia emerged 5-4 victorious. This was after India lost five matches in a row in the FIH Pro League this year, including four in the home leg in Rourkela. They lost to Spain 0-2 in their first match of the Hobart leg on Saturday.

Australia had the lion's share of possession in the opening exchanges, pushing India back i...