Deepak Thakur (top) and Gagan Ajit Singh scored a brace each

Canberra, April 17 (PTI): Riding a brace each from Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur, India rallied to defeat South Africa 6-4 and move into the final against hosts Australia in the four-nation hockey meet today.

Trailing 2-3 at half-time, India were jolted again when Greg Nicol sounded the board to score the fourth goal for the Africans.

However, India came roaring back with Arjun Halappa scoring in the 46th minute. Deepak then scored a field goal in the 50th to level things and seven minutes later converted a penalty corner. Gagan Ajit then scored India’s sixth in the 65th to complete the comeback.

In the first half, Gagan Ajit provided India an early lead in the 10th minute, followed by Halappa in the 17th.

In the day’s second game, Australia hammered nine goals past a hapless Malaysia to confirm their berth in the final.

India beat Malaysia 4-1 in the opener before going down to Australia 0-5 in their next match.