THIMPHU: Anuskha Kumari’s hat-trick powered India to an 8–0 demolition of hosts Bhutan, securing their third straight win at the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship on Sunday.
Kumari struck in the 53rd, 61st, and 73rd minutes, while Abhista Basnett scored twice (23rd, 89th). Pearl Fernandes (71st), Divyani Linda (77th), and Valaina Jada Fernandes (90+2) also found the net. India led 1-0 at halftime.
With 17 goals scored and none conceded across three matches, the Young Tigresses are firmly atop the table, edging closer to the trophy with nine points. Bangladesh and Nepal follow with three points each, while Bhutan remain pointless.
India dominated from the outset. Shveta Rani’s fifth-minute curling corner nearly found the net, and a low cross from Divyani Linda tested Bhutan’s goalkeeper Kelzang Wangmo, who repeatedly denied Nira Chanu Longjam and others in a flurry of early attacks.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Abhista Basnett, unmarked at the near post, converted Rani’s corner. After halftime, India intensified their assault. Kumari’s free-kick in the 53rd minute and her solo strike in the 61st minute doubled the lead and shattered Bhutan’s resistance.
Pearl Fernandes made an instant impact, netting in the 71st minute, followed by Kumari completing her hat-trick two minutes later. Linda added her name to the scoresheet in the 77th minute, Basnett completed her brace in the 89th, and Valaina Jada Fernandes sealed the rout in stoppage time.
India’s clinical display highlighted their firepower and cohesion, leaving Bhutan overwhelmed throughout.
