India beat New Zealand 3-1 to level four-match test series 1-1
The Indian hockey team bounced back in excellent fashion to level the 4-match test series against New Zealand by beating the Black Sticks 3-1 in the second match at Nelson on Wednesday.
The opening quarter saw both teams go head on against one another but with two minutes left on the clock, it was Ramandeep Singh for India who gave his side the decisive lead and the much-needed boost.
The second quarter was once again a closely-fought contest as New Zealand pressed forward to find the equaliser, but courtesy some fine play by PR Sreejesh, who saved back-to-back penalty corners, the visitors hung on to finish the second quarter of the game with a 1-0 lead.
With their backs clearly against the wall, the Black Sticks continued to search for that elusive equaliser and with just a minute left in the third quarter, Kane Russell converted a penalty corner to bring the match back on level terms.
The fourth and final quarter saw the both teams push for the lead, but with just about nine minutes left on the clock, it was Lalit Upadhyay who gave India the lead for the second time for the second time in the match, scoring from a close range to make it 2-1.
With about a minute to go for the match to end, Nikkin Thimmaiah netted in a third to all but seal the contest and thereby level the series 1-1. The action now shifts to Christchurch, where the third match will be played on Friday.