Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: India prevails 3-2 against New Zealand
The Indian men’s team produced a fine performance to prevail 3-2 against New Zealand in a hard-fought contest at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Stadium in Ipoh on Thursday.
Amit Rohidas (4’), Sanjay (32’), and Selvam Karthi (54’) got on the scoresheet for India, while George Baker (42’, 48’) scored for New Zealand.
It was New Zealand who did the early running in the first few minutes of the match, but the Indian defense ensured that it didn’t give away any scoring opportunities.
India manufactured its first real chance through a well-crafted move that resulted in a Penalty Corner and Amit Rohidas (4’) made that count with a ferocious drag-flick to open the scoring.
India was denied a second goal after the New Zealand keeper kept out Abhishek’s shot from close range, concluding a lively first quarter with a 1-0 lead.
The Black Sticks began the second quarter in search of an equaliser, moving the ball in search of an opening. They did have an opportunity to get back on level terms through a Penalty Corner but were kept at bay by the Indian defenders throughout the quarter, ensuring India take a slender lead with them into half time.
India began the second half on the front foot and doubled its advantage early in the second half as captain Sanjay (32’) converted from a Penalty Corner.
New Zealand looked for an immediate response with a couple of Penalty Corners of its own but couldn’t break down the Indian defense. Pawan was sensational in goal for India, but his resistance was finally broken as George Baker (42’) helped New Zealand pull one back, setting up an intriguing final quarter.
New Zealand began the fourth quarter in search of its second goal, and managed to restore parity at 2-2 through a Penalty Corner with George Baker (48’) converting again.
India struck right back though, as Abhishek’s pass was neatly finished off by Selvam Karthi (54’), helping India regain its advantage. It had an opportunity to put the result beyond all doubt with a penalty stroke, but it was unable to convert. However, India held its ground in the final stages to get over the line with a well-deserved 3-2 win.
Published on Nov 27, 2025