Azlan Shah: India’s medal hopes dashed as New Zealand crush them 7-3
May 12th, 2011 - 8:53 pm ICT by IANSIpoh (Malaysia), May 12 (IANS) India thrice surrendered the lead against New Zealand to go down 3-7 in their last league encounter of the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here Thursday.
The defeat crushed India’s hopes of making the final. They finished their league engagements with seven points from six matches. New Zealand can still make it to Sunday’s final if they defeat Australia in their last preliminary round match Saturday and if Pakistan and Britain lose their last round-robin games Saturday.
It was a determined performance by New Zealand. They recorded their biggest win against India in 65 meetings. Andrew Hayward and Hilton Blair scored two goals each while Nicholas Wilson, Matt L’Huillier and Shay Neal slotted the other three.
In another match, Australia defeated Britain 2-1 to book a place in the final. With 13 points from five matches, Australia top the standings and Britain are in the second spot with nine points. Pakistan are also on nine points and have to play Malaysia in their last game Sunday.
India, who lost to Pakistan Wednesday, took the lead in the 20th minute. Ravipal made a 40-yard defence splitting pass that allowed Sunil Sowmarpet a clear run at goal, hitting it past New Zealand keeper Kyle Pontifex.
New Zealand drew level in the 24th minute as Wilson was given all the time in the world to turn and pick a spot to put the ball past Indian goalkeeper Bharat Chetri.
Two minutes later, Gurwinder Singh Chandi was on target from a cross by Roshan Minz to give India a 2-1 lead.
However, the lead was short-lived as six minutes later Hilton put the Kiwis on level terms.
Gurwinder Chandi scored India’s third goal in the 41st minute, making a run on the right to scoop the ball over a rushing Pontifex.
The Black sticks again fought back, Hayward finding the mark from a penalty corner, the first of the match, in the 46th minute (3-3).
New Zealand went ahead for the first time in the match in the 52nd minute, converting another penalty corner, this time by Matt L’Huillier.
Hayward scored his second, and New Zealand’s fifth in the 57th minute, giving finishing touches to a neat set piece.
In the next minute, India went further behind as Diwakar Ram lost possession in the semi-circle to allow Shay Neal to score the sixth goal for New Zealand.
Hilton scored in the 64th minute to make it 7-3.
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