3rd hockey Test: India pip New Zealand 3-2 for series lead

The first quarter started with a series of attacks coming in from the Indian side who dominated the entire session. “The aim will be to put pressure on New Zealand from the onset and work on all departments beginning with defence, ball possession and attack”, Sardar said. In the 10th minute India was awarded with a penalty corner which was effectively converted by Rupinder Pal Singh giving India the much required lead of 1-0.

After losing the first match of the series in Nelson against the hosts, India came back strongly to register back to back wins in the last two games, leaving New Zealand stunned and groping for a solution to the inform Indian team.

Both teams played similar structures at Marist Park on Friday, but New Zealand opted to press down the wing as India focused on opportunistic counter attacks. With each added goal, New Zealand boys were seen in tremendous pressure to equalise the score but the Indian defence stood strong to wipe out all the scoring opportunities for them.

Dying moments of the first quarter saw forward Akashdeep Singh get a chance to open the account but his attempt went wide of the post. “We didn’t come out firing in the second quarter and, once Argentina went 1-0 up, they are very skilful side and they had the confidence”. New Zealand drew level with Jared Panchi netting his second goal of the series with about seven minutes remaining in the first half.

Akashdeep Singh then pierced through the New Zealand defence but his attempt was thwarted as both the teams failed to open their account at the halfway break.

Both teams fought hard to find the winning goal as the clock counted down but it was Julia Gomes who spoiled the home side’s party, converting a penalty corner with three minutes left to secure the win and leave the series square.

It was another move off a turnover that saw India rampage down the turf towards replacement goalie Kyle Pontifex and Ramandeep Singh breached the Black Sticks net to give the visitors the lead again.

The Indian team got a great chance to extend its lead in the early minutes of the fourth quarter with Nikkin Thimmaiah running into the Kiwi defence with classical personal skills but the Kiwi defence blocked the attack without any damage.

Riding on series of attacks, New Zealand earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute but Sreejesh, diving to his left, brilliantly made a superb save. However, the third quarter finished with India leading 2-1.