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After winning both matches against the New Zealand ‘A’ team, a sterner test awaited the Indian men’s national hockey team in the form of the Black Sticks. A little too stern, it turned out, as the New Zealand men’s national team got the better of the visitors with a 2-0 victory.
The first quarter was fast-paced, with both teams off to a quick start. New Zealand’s Nick Haig converted a penalty corner in the 5th minute, expertly piercing the Indian defense. The hosts were quick to pour on the pressure and try as they did, the Indians seemed on the back foot. A penalty corner in the 13th minute didn’t provide the equalizer, and the quarter ended with New Zealand leading 1-0.
In the second quarter, the Black Sticks picked up where they left off just before the break. A close shot on goal by New Zealand in the 2nd minute wasn’t legal as the ball crossed the back line. India immediately tried to attack, but New Zealand responded even stronger. The hosts’ persistence paid off as Jared Panchia found the back of the Indian net in the 13th minute. New Zealand tried to widen the gap with a shot in the last minute of the quarter, but it was off target.
India began the 3rd quarter with a sense of urgency, making a spirited charge just 30 seconds into the quarter. New Zealand cottoned on quickly and replied with two attempts in the 5th and 9th minute. The quarter was characterized by a more pressured offense by India, which was neutralized by New Zealand’s tight defense.
The visitors were quick to take control of the field in the last quarter, occupying the other half of the field for the opening minutes. The Black Sticks were upto the task, never letting India get close enough to score. New Zealand were soon on the attack, but the Indian defense was on its guard. New Zealand managed to pierce the visitor’s shield in the 12th minute, but custodian P.R. Sreejesh proved his mettle with a brilliant rushing block. India made a last ditch attempt to score in the dying minutes of the game, but couldn’t shake off the host’s defense.
The quarter ended with both teams holding each other to a stalemate, but the early strikes gave New Zealand the game. India will look to get one back in tomorrow’s game, which will commence at 11:30 AM IST. The venue remains unchanged (Nelson). It will be the 4th match of a 6-match test series, where the first 2 games were against the New Zealand ‘A’ team and the last 4 games are against the national team.
