Indian defence crumbles, Kiwis pump in 8 goals

Pukekohe (New Zealand), May 16 

The Indian women’s hockey team suffered an embarrassing 2-8 defeat against hosts New Zealand here today. It was India’s second consecutive defeat in the five-match series.

Experienced striker Stacey Michelsen (21st, 30th, 42nd minutes) struck thrice, Samantha Harrison twice (3rd, 56th), and Kirsten Pearce (52nd), Madison Doar (56th) and Stephanie Dickins (60th) sounded the board once each. For India, Lilima Minz (40th minute) and Anupa Barla (49th) were the goal-scorers.

India started off with a positive intent but New Zealand pushed them on to the back foot when Samantha scored a field goal in the third minute. India couldn’t clear the ball, and Samantha converted the pass from a close range. A chance to equalise went abegging in the 6th minute when striker Rani could not get a touch on the ball from a long-range assist. 

In the second quarter, the Kiwis tightened their grip on the game. The increased pressure and possession led to the hosts scoring again in the 21st minute — Stacey sounded the board on a counterattack. New Zealand kept up the pressure and created more chances but Savita made several saves to keep India in the game.

However, the Kiwi forwards kept testing the Indian defence. And they succeeded in finding an opening in the 30th minute, and Stacey made the most of the opportunity to make it 3-0. Despite trailing 0-3, India put up a better fight in the third quarter and earned two penalty corners. Though the first went abegging, Lilima managed to get a deflection on the second to give India their first goal in the 40th minute. Stacey, however, scored in the 42nd minute to again open up a three-goal lead. India, however, pulled one back in the 49th minute through Anupa Barla. 

At 4-2, in the last quarter, there was still hope for India. However, in the last 10 minutes of the match, the Indian defence suffered a complete meltdown. The Kiwis, taking advantage of it, pumped in four goals in this period to register a massive 8-2 win.

The two teams will play their third match tomorrow. — PTI