New Delhi, May 19 (Inditop.com) The Indian women’s hockey team were held 2-2 by New Zealand in their third Test Match at the Kett Capital Hockey Stadium in Napier Wednesday.
India led 2-1 at half time with goals from striker Saba Anjum (4th min) and Chanchan Thockchom (8th). The Black Sticks then got one back through a field goal to Stacey Brannigan, her first international goal, which she struck home from close range in the 27th minute.
India took the lead in the fourth minute after Anjum slammed in from a fast counter- attack and doubled the lead in the eighth minute when Chanchan deflected Subhadra Pradhan’s penalty corner.
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 scored again with a diving deflection.
In the last 10 minutes, both the teams played at a high pace but were unable to break the deadlock.
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 from 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 weekend.
rounak