SAS 2015: India lose 1-2 in a tight contest against New Zealand
India, on Monday, went down 1-2, fighting against New Zealand in a rain-hit match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Starting on a positive note after drawing their first match 2-2 against Korea, India played a tight match, not allowing New Zealand to penetrate often into the Indian D.
With barely six minutes remaining for the first quarter, the match was stopped for nearly ten minutes owing to heavy rain. At the end of the first quarter, Ramandeep Singh got an open space right infront of the goalmouth, but he flicked the ball straight to the goalkeeper.
In the second quarter, India earned its first penalty corner in the 17th minute. But, a poor injection cost the chance to take lead.
Exactly ten minutes later, a foul committed by Kothajit gave New Zealand their first penalty corner, which was taken by Nick Haig. He, however, didn’t find the right direction and the ball went wide.
After a goalless first half, the second half began on a fast pace, as both teams went on an attacking spree.
In the 38th minute, in a crowded Indian D, Shay Neal hit was slightly deflected by skipper Simon Child, gifting New Zealand their first goal.
Five minutes later, India found the equalizer, with Akashdeep pushing the ball off the rebound from V.R. Raghunath in the penalty corner exercise.
However, New Zealand, thereafter, once again turned the match into their favour after Andy Hayward converted the third penalty corner for his team.
Thereafter, India, tried few desperate attempts, but made silly errors owing to the pressure-stricken situation.
India will next play hosts Malaysia in their next match on April 8.