India women held to a 2-2 draw by New Zealand

The Indian women’s team squandered a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in the third Test at the Kett Capital Hockey Stadium in Napier on Wednesday.
With Saba Anjum (4th minute) and Chanchan Thockchom (8th) sounding the board, India raced to a 2-0 lead but Kiwi rookie Stacey Brannigan’s (27th and 57th) double strike earned the hosts a draw.

India lead the five-match series 1-0, having won the opener at Palmerston North while the second Test was drawn. The final two matches of the series will be played in Wellington this weekend, according to a Hockey India release.
In Wednesday’s match, India were quick to open their account as Saba Anjum scored from a fast counter-attack. Four minutes later, Chanchan Thockchom scored with a deflection from a straight shot by Subhadra Pradhan from a penalty-corner.

The Black Sticks then got one back through a field goal by Stacey Brannigan, her first international goal, which she struck home from close range in the 27th minute.
In the second half, New Zealand held the ball well and had a lot of possession but were unable to convert their chances until the 57th minute when Brannigan scored again with a diving deflection.

The last 10 minutes of the match was played at a fast pace but both teams were unable to find the winner. Indian captain Surinder Kaur and Rani Rampal each had a good opportunity to score but the New Zealand defence foiled their attempts.
Indian goalkeeper Deepika Murty also made an important save in the final minute to deny the Black Sticks their first win of the series.

PHF cancels women’s trip to Bangkok

The Pakistan Hockey Federation will not be sending its women’s team to the Asian Games qualifying tournament in Thailand due to the security situation in Bangkok.
The PHF said on Wednesday it had acted on the advice of the Pakistan High Commission in Thailand. The team was due to leave for Bangkok on Tuesday to play in the tournament from May 21-30.