ODISHA, India – The contest did not get off to a good start for India. At the end of the first 15 minutes of play, New Zealand had jumped up to a 3-1 lead thanks to three defensive miscues. After that little hiatus, though, Graham Reid’s team returned with a revised lineup.
The match’s next six goals were scored by the hosts, who started to control play and possession. While the Indians were ruthless on offense, they were cool under pressure on defense, making vital interceptions to prevent any Kiwi build-up.
Toward the end, the Black Sticks did succeed in scoring another consolation goal. Reid would not care, though, because he saw the grit his squad showed by rallying after falling behind 3-1 early on in the game.
India’s goals came from goals from Raj Kumar Pal, Sukhjeet Singh, and Jugraj Singh, braces from Harmanpreet Singh and Karthi Selvam, and other sources. For New Zealand, goals were scored by Simon Child, Sam Lane, Jake Smith, and Kane Russell.
That was a strong comeback by Harmanpreet Singh and company, going from 1-3 to 7-4. Karthi had a memorable evening thanks to his two goals. Jugraj delighted in his late goal, and Harmanpreet was outstanding. Coach Reid was only partially satisfied with the fight he saw today since he had hoped for four quarters of good intensity from the Indians.
The 4th Quarter of the Match Play by Play Highlight
Fourth quarter score: India 5-3 New Zealand; Sumit has this period’s first reliable chance. Mandeep made a smart pass. The opportunity is over after Sumit’s shot deflects away from the net.
Q4: India scores a goal over New Zealand, 6-3! This time, Sukhjeet Singh scores a goal. Manpreet makes a great cross into the box, and Sukhjeet leaps forward to get a nice deflection into the net.
Q4: India 6-3 New Zealand – Abhishek wins another PC as he continues to frustrate the Kiwi defense.
Q4: India 6-3 New Zealand – Abhishek wins another PC as he continues to frustrate the Kiwi defense.
Q4: India 6-3 New Zealand – India scores another PC, but the injection is insufficient, therefore the opportunity is lost. But in the subsequent brawl, India maintains control and takes home another PC.
Q4: India defeats New Zealand 6-3; India attempts a variation and a second PC.
Q4: India 6-3 New Zealand – Dixon makes a good save on Jugraj Singh this time. Another rush ensues, but the umpire calls it off and grants India a stroke.
Q4: New Zealand requests a referral after India defeats them 6-3.
Q4: New Zealand wins the referral after India defeated them 6-3; the stroke was actually a PC to India.
Q4: India 6-3 New Zealand – This time, Harmanpreet attempts a goal, but it is deflected and out of play. The PC routine that required five more tries has now come to an end.
Q4: With less than 8 minutes remaining, India defeats New Zealand 6-3.
Q4: India scores a goal to defeat New Zealand 7-3! As a senior, Jugraj Singh scores his eighth goal. lands the ball in the near corner with great low pressure.
Q4: India 7-3 New Zealand – Against the flow of play and following a protracted New Zealand referral, the Kiwis succeed in a PC.
Q4: New Zealand scores a goal, India defeats them 7-4! Nic Woods is breached by The Black Sticks. He opens his body up with a good drag-flick and sends it towards the far corner. In the Indian goal, Kishan Pathak had no chance. This game has just under 7 minutes remaining.
Q4: India 7-4 New Zealand with two minutes left
India defeated New Zealand 7-4 in the fourth quarter thanks to some quick plays at either end of the field by both teams. Once more, a well-planned defense successfully thwarts an onslaught.
