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The Indian women’s hockey team’s wretched run in New Zealand continued as they lost their third successive match 1-3 in Palmerston North today.
The Indians, who were handed a 2-7 drubbing in the first Test at Napier before suffering another 1-3 defeat in the second Test at the same venue, would really need to pull up their socks if they are to keep their hopes alive of squaring the six-match Test series.
Like the second Test at Napier where Indian scored an early goal, the women in blue once again drew first blood in Palmerston North through captain Ritu Rani, before an own goal by the visitors ensured both teams went into half time at 1-1.
New Zealand went ahead in the second half when Katie Glynn converted a penalty corner. The Black Sticks racked up an insurance goal through Michaela Curtis – who scored her maiden goal in only her second international appearance - to put the contest beyond India.
New Zealand lead the six-match series 3-0.
Earlier on Sunday in the second Test at Napier, both teams were locked goalless in the first half. India’s drag-flicker Jaspreet Kaur broke the deadlock, converting a penalty corner in the 46th minute.
New Zealand restored parity through midfielder Sian Fremaux six minutes later following a goal melee.
Charlotte Harrison put the Black Sticks ahead in the 53rd minute before skipper Anita Punt rounded off the tally, converting a penalty corner in the 60th-minute.
Earlier on Saturday, Olympian striker Katie Glynn fired a superb hat-trick as the hosts pulverised India 7-2.
In fact, it was India who shot into the lead through Anupa Barla in the fifth minute before Julia King levelled things two minutes later.
Olivia Merry celebrated her international debut with a strike in the first half followed by Glynn’s first strike as the hosts went into half time with a cosy 3-1 lead.
Glynn achieved her hat-trick in the the first five minutes of the second half before India’s Poonam Rani reduced the deficit in the 50th minute.
Punt and Merry scored one apiece in the dying minutes to give their side an overwhelming win.
Both teams play the fourth Test at Palmerston North on Wednesday.
