New Zealand defeat India by 2-1 in a keenly contested battle at Azlan Shah stadium on Thursday. There was nothing to choose between the two sides after a drab fifteen minutes in the first quarter. Forward Mandeep Singh's shot after dashing into the New Zealand D in the 8th minute was comfortably fended off at the near post.
Five minutes into the second quarter, the New Zealand defence was sprung into preventive action with goalie Devon Manchester blocking two shots in quick succession, the 2nd one coming off Rupinder Pal Singh drag-flicking from India's first penalty corner.
Substitute goalkeeper Harjot Singh, then, made the first notable save for India in the 26th minute, which was rendered inconsequential two minutes later when Kane Russell converted from New Zealand's first penalty corner. His 108km/hr strike took a deflection off onrushing Manpreet's stick before finding the Indian net.
The Black Sticks were up 1-0 as the match went into half-time.
Second Half:
It needed a desperate block at the back-line in the 32nd minute by India to keep Hugo Inglis from taking his team 2-0 ahead. It was, then, Talwinder Singh with a drive from the edge of the New Zealand circle that young Mandeep flicked past Manchester into the back of the net to make it 1-1 in the 36th minute.
In the 41st minute, the Indian defenders were caught ball-watching which helped in-form striker Nick Wilson restore their lead. India trailed 1-2 at the end of the 3rd quarter.
With fifteen minutes left on the clock, the Men in Blue came out all guns blazing and, straightaway, earned a penalty corner. Rupinder's low flick looked destined to find the bottom corner when a vigilant Black Stick intervened. Nikkin Thimmaiah had another turn-and-shoot attempt going wide by inches.
Despite a lot of attacking intent by India, the final hooter went off with the result 2-1 in favour of New Zealand.
India now must beat Malaysia in their last group match on Friday to reach the final.
