Second win for India in New Zealand
Auckland, 03 October 2015: Helped by a brace of goals by inform forward SK Uthappa, India posted second successive victory over the hosts New Zealand A in the friendlies in the run up to the test series proper.
India won the first match 3-1 on Friday
The first quarter saw both the teams going on the attack on each other’s business side of the field. But the Indians, with a win yesterday were high on spirits and in the 5th minute saw SV Sunil entering the D as he passed the ball to Nikkin Thimmaiah. Nikkin’s pass to SK Uthappa helped the later to put the ball into the nets brilliantly, giving no chance to the opponent’s goalkeeper to react. The goal gave India the much sort after early lead of 1-0. India continued its pressure and maintained good ball possession, keeping the opponents defence busy all through. But with no further goals added, the quarter ended 1-0 in India’s favour.
Indians started the second quarter on a high as they took over from where they left and were seen in the opponent’s semi-circle trying to score on the opportunities. But unfortunately for the Indians they could not find the nets, leaving the score untouched at 1-0 at the end of the first half.
The third quarter brought news for the Indians yet again as the second goal was added to the goal tally. Right into the quarter it was SK Uthappa’s sheer brilliance which helped India score the goal. He entered the D, beating the New Zealand A Goalie and defenders and scoring through a field goal in the 34th minute to provide India a 2-0 lead. With seconds left for the quarter to end, India was awarded with a penalty corner which unfortunately did not go in their favour, leaving the score at 2-0.
The last quarter saw New Zealand A being awarded with a penalty corner but unfortunately for them it was effortlessly save by PR Sreejesh. But New Zealand A persisted with its endeavour to open their goal account and finally in the 57th minute, Stephen Jenness scored a field goal, taking the score to 1-2. With no further goals getting scored India took their second consecutive win by 2-1.
India will take on New Zealand on 6th October 2015 at Nelson. The match will be played at 11.30 am IST.
Live streaming of the Official Test Matches can be accessed through www.hockeynz.co.nz.