Indian hockey team defeated New Zealand by 5-3 in the practice game played yesterday before the start of Sultan Azlan Shah tournament. Goals were scored by Dhananjay Mahadik (2 goals), Rupinder Pal Singh (2 goals) and Baljit Singh Chandi (1goal). New Zealand’s Matt L’Hullier scored a hat-trick for his team on his debut match.
Indian team started the game strongly by going on gull attack. Their attack paid dividends in 8th minute when Dhananjay Mahadik converted a penalty corner. Indian team scored second goal 5 minutes later when Rupinder Pal Singh firing a low shot to New Zealand goal-keeper Kyle Pontifex.
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New Zealand came back into the match with good midfield display by Steve Edwards, Arun Panchia, Ben Collier and Marcus Child. New Zealand scored their first goal in 27th minute through a penalty corner. Four minutes later Matt L’Hullier scored his and New Zealand’s second goal through another penalty corner.
Indian team took the initiative in the second half when in 38th minute Baljit Singh Chandi scored a field goal through a brilliant counter-attack. Rupinder Pal Singh and Dhananjay Mahadik scored a goal each in 44th min and 54th min respectively to give India 5-2 lead in the game.
New Zealand got a goal back in 65th minute when Matt L’Hullier completed his hat-trick. New Zealand team kept pressing Indian defense but the Indian team held their nerve to ensure a victory.
This was a good practice game for both of the teams especially for India, who played their first game after Asian Games. The only negative of the game was injury to Diwakar Ram (he got cut during the game).
Indian team will play the first game against South Korea on 5th May.
