India beat NZ to lead 2-0 in tests

BENGALURU: The Indian men’s hockey team registered its second successive victory against New Zealand, beating the visitors 3-1 to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match test series at the Sports Authority of India’s Bengaluru Campus, on Saturday.

India dominated the first quarter as the team’s attack won two PC opportunities, however, the home team could not convert and the two teams ended the first quarter in a stalemate.

In the second quarter, India won three back-to-back penalty corners in the 18th minute and Rupinder Pal Singh helped his side take lead.

In the 24th minute, Stephen Jenness caught the Indian defence off guard and found an open goal to put the ball into the post for an equaliser.

India retorted back with a splendid goal in the 27th minute through Sunil, who worked in tandem with Simranjeet Singh.

India upped the ante in the final quarter as they made enthralling forays. It was from Sunil’s pass that India found their third goal with Mandeep Singh deflecting the cross from the right post behind the net.

JUNIOR MEN DRAW WITH NETHERLANDS

ANTWERP,BELGIUM:THE Indian junior men’s hockey team overcame an early 0-2 setback to hold the Netherlands 2-2 in a hard-fought encounter at the under-23 Five Nations Tournament.

The Netherlands quickly got off the blocks as Marlon scored the opening goal in the very first minute before Jip Jansen doubling the lead in the 11th minute.

India, however, clawed back into the game in the second quarter with Mandeep Mor bridging the gap in the 27th minute before finding the equaliser in the 48th minute of the match.