India defeated New Zealand 3-2 at St Bede’s College, Christchurch in the third test of the 4 match hockey series, India now lead the series 2-1. “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”. Without wasting much time, Akashdeep Singh broke into the opponents’ defence from the left flank but, unfortunately, his attack was stopped by New Zealand’s Nick Haig.
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New Zealand then put a few pressure on the Indian defence with a long pass from Blair Tarrant, which found Nic Woods in a goal scoring position but his effort was denied by an alert Indian defence. Dharamvir Singh, who scored the last minute goal in the previous match, S.K. Uthappa, Devindar Walmiki and Chinglensana Singh will continue with their control on the midfield in the final match also.
In the second quarter of the match, the Black Sticks dominated the early part with attack from left side of the pitch which earned them a penalty corner, but goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh brilliantly thwarted it. While, New Zealand was seen in desperation to score goals, the Indian boys in the 60th minute turned around the table in their favour when Dharamvir Singh penetrated the nets through a reverse hit which concluded the game at 3-2 in favour of India.
“The team is now more confident after last two wins against the Black Sticks”.
India replied back immediately in the 43rd minute with a goal from Sunil and draw level.
After the change of ends, both the teams tried hard to break the deadlock but could not find a way through.
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.
India held the lead until the 52nd minute when a late goal from Steve Edwards levelled the scores 1-1.
And once Kat Henry cancelled out Noel Barrionuevo’s opener, slotting home from a penalty corner with seven minutes to play, the Black Sticks would have been content with a drawn match and victorious series. With this, the first half ended with the game locked at 1-1.
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With quick passes and surprise attacks, New Zealand will have to prepare themselves better to avoid three defeats in a row.
