Indian eves lose 1-4 to New Zealand in Hawke's Bay Cup

The Indian women’s team will be fighting for the 5^th – 8^th classification spot.

The Indian senior women’s hockey team squandered an early lead to lose tamely 1-4 to New Zealand in the Hawke’s Bay Cup being played in Hastings. The Indian eves – the lowest ranked side in the tournament – who had put up a gritty display in the league phase, could not quite display the form that saw them hold world number two Australia to a goalless in their final league tie.

Skipper Ritu Rani gave India in the fifth minute when she slotted home from the far post off a penalty corner. The fourth ranked New Zealanders hit back through Petrea Webster.

The Black Sticks eves went ahead through Olivia Merry as they held a 2-1 lead at half-time. It was Merry who opened up a two-goal lead in the third quarter. Ella Gunson fired home the fourth goal in the closing stages to close out a 4-1 win. New Zealand will face Korea in the semifinals, while Australia will meet China.

India face eight ranked USA in a classification match on Saturday.

The Indian women’s team have recently won the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 event in New Delhi, beating Poland 3-1 in the final. They will feature in the FIH Hockey World League Semifinals to be held in Brasschaat, Belgium in June this year. India will be pitted alongside Australia, New Zealand, Poland and hosts Belgium in Pool B, while Pool A features Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Italy and Azerbaijan.