Bhubaneswar: It was deja vu for the Indian hockey team as it overturned a 1-3 deficit against New Zealand to emerge victors once again in their FIH Pro League clash at the packed Kalinga Stadium.
However, there was a difference. Unlike last week – when the margin was a close 4-3 — Friday night saw India enjoy a goal feast to run away 7-4 winners.
Young Karthi Selvam scored two brilliant field goals, while Harmanpreet Singh netted a brace from penalty corners. Raj Kumar Pal (field goal), Sukhjeet Singh (field goal) and Jugraj Singh (penalty corner) were India’s other scorers.
New Zealand got off the blocks in a canter and scored in the very opening minute. Harmanpreet levelled scores five minutes later, but New Zealand scored two more to nose ahead 3-1 in a frenetic opening quarter.
India turned the tide from the early moments of the second quarter, much to the delight of the large crowd. The home team scored two goals each in the next three quarters to build a 7-3 lead.
New Zealand added to the match tally with a penalty corner conversion five minutes from the final hooter. But that goal just reduced the margin of a big defeat.
India will face Spain on Sunday, when they have a score to settle after losing their first clash 3-4 five days ago.
