Four matches, four defeats.The Indian women’s hockey team’s recent record against China made the Paris Olympics silver medallists formidable opponents even before the World Cup opener began. But India produced a spirited display on Sunday to hold the world No. 4 side to a 2-2 draw at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.Taking the lead as early as in the eighth minute through a field goal from Navneet Kaur, India took the fight to the world No. 4 team from the very beginning.However, China equalised in the dying seconds of the first quarter through a penalty stroke. India did not hold back and continued to attack in the second quarter, winning their second penalty corner, which Deepika converted in the 25th minute.India could have even scored a third within minutes, but Lalremsiami failed to deflect Navneet’s pass from close range.It proved to be a costly miss as China, playing a 4-4-2 formation, stepped up the pressure in the third quarter. Despite some brilliant defending by Nikki Pradhan & Co. and superb saves by Savita, China restored parity when Ning Ma scored from a penalty corner in the 39th minute.In the fourth quarter, India still had opportunities to snatch the win but could not convert them. They were also unlucky not to be awarded a penalty corner in the dying moments of the game. Bichu Devi Kharibam, meanwhile, made some crucial saves to ensure India at least came away with a point.Speaking after the match, Navneet, who had an exceptional game, was understandably elated with the performance. Not only did she score the opener, but she was also all over the field, creating chances and dropping back to aid the defence.She did, however, admit that India will have to do better at protecting their lead after scoring early.“We tried our best and played really well. It’s a learning experience for us for the next matches. If we score early, we have to keep the lead. That’s a lesson for us. In the next matches, if we take the lead, we have to keep improving and make sure we stay ahead,” Navneet told the broadcaster.India will next take on South Africa on Tuesday and will hope to secure a big win to ensure they remain in contention for the second round.Despite the draw against a higher-ranked team, coach Sjored Marijne, however, will not be too pleased with India’s finishing. On numerous occasions, India entered the D but could not get their shots on target.Speaking during the half-time break, the Dutchman said, “I think we played very disciplined and created opportunities. And that is the thing with these kinds of matches — you have to convert those opportunities into goals. That is the next step for us.”Also, the way they conceded the stroke early on and then wasted their review is something Marijne will want to address with the team. He will, however, be pleased with the team’s defending in the third quarter when China came at them hard.The challenge now will be to maintain this level of performance in the coming matches and make it to the second round — which would be a commendable feat considering where the team was a year ago.