Ace penalty corner striker Rupinder Pal’s brace of goals could not help India salvage a win today in the Melbourne Four-Nations Invitational Tournament, as it fell a goal in arrears to fighting New Zealand and thus got eliminated for the final, instead will engage Malaysia for the bronze.
In an eqaully fought first quarter, both teams failed to move the scoreboard. But India returned to lemon time with a goal in its favour.
Akashdeep Singh snatched the ball near the rival circle and drove in, only be smothered by George Enersen. Off the rebound, Akashdeep struck a first time shot on goal, but the ball caught the foot of Kane Russell, resulting in a stroke for India. Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake from the spot, dispatching the ball into the bottom left to give India the lead.
In the third quarter, the teams went at each other with furious attacking intent, and again it was Akash Chikte’s agility that prevented New Zealand from scoring an equalizer. A long cross field ball found Matt Rees-Gibbs at the far post and simple contact would’ve seen it sound the board. Chikte though dived at full stretch to block away the attempt and kept India in the lead. Nikkin Thimmaiah had an attempt from the top of the box, after a superb bit of improvisation, but saw his effort sail high. India led 1-0 going into the final break.
In an action packed final quarter, New Zealand hit back with two quick goals, first via Nick Ross in the 47th minute, before Jacob Smith gave them the lead in the next minute. India now had it all to do, and as they started creating attacking opportunities, New Zealand got a third via Hugo Inglis in the 57th minute.
Rupinder Pal Singh pulled one back through a penalty corner conversion almost from the restart to take the game to New Zealand. He now has five goals in the tournament
In the final minutes, India created several opportunities to draw level, but New Zealand held on for a 3-2 win.
The next match is scheduled to play between India and Malaysia on 27 November 2016 for the 3rd/4th place at 10.30 am IST.