India bounced back after their opening match setback to beat Ireland 2-1 in the second league tie of the Four-Nation women's hockey tournament, at the Parana Rowing Club ground, in Parana, Argentina, on Friday.
India led 2-0 at half-time through goals from striker Anuradha Thokchom (6th minute) and defender Jaspreet Kaur (33rd).
Ireland reduced the margin in the 44th minute through Cliodhna Sargent.
The victory kept the Indians in contention for a place in the final, to be played on December 18.
They need to beat South Africa in their last round-robin league match on Saturday to play in the summit clash.
Displaying impressive cohesion and flair, Indian forwards Rani, Anuradha Thokchom, Lilima Minz, Vandana Katariya and Poonam Rani broke through the rival defence repeatedly.
India drew first blood in the sixth minute when midfielder Kirandeep Kaur cut passed two Irish defenders to set up Thokchom, who made no mistake in beating goalkeeper Pamela Smith Wick.
Jaspreet Kaur scored the second goal for India two minutes before the breather.
India slackened a bit at the start of the second half, and Ireland encashed on it as they scored in the 44th minute through Cliodhna Sargent.
