Men’s hockey: India lose to New Zealand, out of title contention

New Delhi: India lost 2-3 to New Zealand and crashed out of the title race at the four-nation invitational tournament in Melbourne on Saturday.

India will now play Malaysia for the third-fourth place classification match on Sunday.

Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh (18th, and 57th) scored a brace for India.

After berren first half, Akashdeep Singh earned a penalty, which was duly converted by Rupinder in the 18th minute to put India ahead.

Despite repeated efforts from both the sides, the scoreline remained unchanged at half-time.

After the change of ends, New Zealand had the first shot at the goal but Akash Chikte came to India’s rescue to deny Matt Rees-Gibbs at the far post.

Nikkin Thimmaiah then shot high from top of the box, after a superb bit of improvisation.

The final quarter saw New Zealand hit back with two quick goals, first by Nick Ross in the 47th minute before Jacob Smith gave them the lead in the next minute.

Trailing for the first time in the game, India went all out attacking and in the process left gaps in their backline, which New Zealand exploited to extend their lead through Hugo Inglis’ strike in the 57th minute and seal the game.