Indian Women Team went down 0-5 against the dominant New Zealand at the Hockey World League Semi-final in Belgium. After going down to the host Belgium in the first game, Indian Women’s lacked attacking strategy up front against the Kiwis.

In the first quarter of the game, India was seen attacking from both the flanks trying to penetrate the net but was impeded by the New Zealand defence. It was New Zealand eves who took the early lead in the 10th minute and scored the first goal of the match with a rebound shot through Gemma Flynn. The Indian eves managed to keep the ball possession but unfortunately failed to convert the opportunities in goals. By the end of the first half, the scores were in favour of New Zealand 1-0.

With New Zealand dominating the first half, the second half of the game started with both the teams showing their fine defensive skills. Although, the Indian eves posed a tough challenge to New Zealand and looking for gaps to sneak in goals, New Zealand continued to attack as Olivia Merry surged ahead and smashed a reverse stick shot in the 18th minute taking the scores to 2-0.

The third quarter was an intense game where both the teams continued to fight and pressed forward to create some good moves in order to put the ball in the nets. However, New Zealand maintained its good attack and Gemma Flynn swept in and pierced a powerful shot from a field effort in the 40th minute to take the lead to 3-0.

The last quarter of the game saw an aggressive attacking spree from New Zealand who showcased a number of variations. They maintained their momentum and sneaked their way into the India’s defence area and struck a field goal through Kirsten Pearce in the 52nd minute. Four minutes later New Zealand’s, Kirsten Pearce fired in another magnificent field goal in the 56th minute and took the lead to 5-0. India’s repeated efforts to score a goal in the match went in vain as New Zealand defeated India by 5-0.