Bhubaneswar: India gave the big crowd at Kalinga Stadium their money’s worth by snatching a thrilling 4-3 win against New Zealand to kick off the new season of FIH Pro League in style.
The hosts showed great spirit and resilience to overturn a 1-3 deficit to not only level scores but find the winner four minutes from the final hooter.
Mandeep Mor scored a field goal in the 13th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd. Sam Lane made it 1-1 by converting a penalty stroke midway through the second quarter.
Within five minutes of the second half (third quarter), New Zealand wrested the initiative by raiding the Indian citadel in numbers which fetched them two quick goals. Jake Smith first finished off a swift move down the right, before Lane scored his second, this time from a penalty corner.
India trailed 2-3, till midway through the final quarter before the experienced Mandeep Singh decided to take things in his hands.
He made it 3-3 with an opportunistic strike in the 51st minute and then slammed home at the end of a solo run five minutes later to put India ahead.
New Zealand forced a series of penalty corners, including one in the closing minutes, but the Indian defence did well to thwart the threats.
India’s next match is on October 30 (Sunday), when they face Spain.
