India hold NZ to 1-1 draw, win Test series 2-1

In a thrilling contest at Christchurch, the Indian hockey team recorded their second straight win over New Zealand after beating them 3-2 in the third match of the four-match Test series on Thursday.

The first quarter of the game witnessed a series of attacks from the Indias, who dominated the entire session.

New Zealand stuck to their pressing tactics, but it was a move off a counter attack that saw them level the score.

India successfully held their goal-post with the strong defence line that includes Birendra Lakra, V.R. Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Gurjinder Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh. “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.

India dominated early part of the next 15 minutes with attempts from Nikkin Thimmaiah who pushed the ball into the opponent’s striking circle from the left flank to Mandeep Singh but unfortunately his deflection 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”.

Heading into the final test on Sunday in Christchurch, India now lead the series 2-1 after scoring a dramatic victor.

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 the teams were 0-0 till the end of the first half.

Going into the quarter, both the teams tried to find the opening goal but could not find a way through. It was in the 41st minute when Akashdeep surged ahead and gave a well-crafted pass to Ramandeep Singh who calmly finished, giving India their second goal which restored India’s lead at 2-1.

The last quarter started with equal zeal as the hosts got a great chance to take the lead in the early minutes with seasoned attacker Simon Child running into the Indian rearguard but a vigilant defence refused to bulge an inch and negated the threat.

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.

After a scoreless first half, the action was in the third quarter when Nick Ross scored for New Zealand with Sunil Sowmarpet finding the equaliser moments later. On the other hand, New Zealand counter-attacked and levelled the score at 2-2 in the 52nd minute with a field goal coming from the stick of Steve Edwards.