New Zealand hand India 1-0 defeat

Valencia (Spain), June 30 

New Zealand defeated India 1-0 in the six-nation invitational hockey tournament here on Thursday. Stephen Jenness scored the only goal in the 18th minute to guide New Zealand to a much-needed win over India. The Kiwi forward left the Indian goalkeeper flummoxed as he pushed the ball into the net early into the second quarter.

Failing to make the most of the chances that came their way, India handed over the match to New Zealand. The New Zealand defence played sensibly to thwart all attempts at their citadel.

This is India's second defeat in the tournament; they have already lost to Germany 4-0. With two losses and one win, against Ireland, they find themselves in the bottom half of the points table. They will play Argentina on Saturday.

Akashdeep hits century 

India striker Akashdeep Singh played his 100th international match on Thursday. The 22-year-old made his debut at the FIH Champions Trophy in 2012, against England. He was part of the squad that won the Asian Games gold at Incheon, and bronze in the HWL Finals. — Agencies