The Pioneer

PTI | Boston

Rani Devi scored a goal in each half to help India notch a 2-0 victory over New Zealand and finish ninth in the Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup at Harvard University’s Jordan Field here on Sunday.

Rani found the target in the 25th and 69th minute of the match to sign off the tournament as India’s leading scorer with seven goals.

From the onset, the Indian eves mounted pressure on the Kiwi defence with repeated attacks, earning their first penalty corner as early as in the second minute. But Ritu Rani’s attempt was blocked by New Zealand goalkeeper Nicola Howes.

The Indians enjoyed greater ball possession in the opening half with Rani, Roselin Dung Dung, Ritu and Poonam Rani constantly disturbing the Kiwi defence.

India’s continuous raids on the rival citadel finally bore fruit in the 25th minute when Rani struck home from a short corner.

Although, New Zealand got some scoring chances in the final minutes of the first half but the Indian defence, backed by an alert custodian Jasdeep Kaur, stood firm to thwart any threat.

The Kiwis, however, came out all guns blazing after the change of ends and had more ball possession. They earned four penalty corners in the second session but failed to draw parity as Katie Glynn and Bridget Blackwood’s attempts went in vain.

In the final minutes of the match, the Kiwis took a gamble by exchanging their keeper Howes with a kicking back.

But their tactic backfired as India capitalised with a turnover opportunity allowing Rani to score again in the 69th minute.