The Indian Women’s team was held to a 2 – 2 draw by New Zealand in the third Test Match at the Kett Capital Hockey Stadium, Napier today.

India led 2 -1 at half time with goals scored by striker Saba Anjum in the 4th min from a fast counter attack and Chanchan Thockchom with a deflection from a straight shot by Subadhra Pradhan from a penalty corner in the 8th min.

The Black Sticks then got one back through a feild goal to 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 min when Stacey Brannigan scored again with a diving deflection.

The last 10 min of the match were played at high pace but both teams were unable to find the winner. Indian captain Surinder Kaur and Rani Rampal each had a good oppurtunity 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 form securing their first win of the series.

India are leading 1 – 0 in the five Test Series 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 coming weekend.