Host India hammered New Zealand 7-4 to earn their second win in the FIH Hockey Mens Pro League at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today. It was a high-scoring game as the first 18 minutes of the game featured six goals. India had started their campaign with a 4-3 win against the Kiwis earlier on October 28.

After a goal by Simon Child in the second minute of the game, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh levelled it on his third PC attempt by flicking down to the right of Black Sticks keeper George Enersen.

Sam Lane and Jake Smith converted two more in the first quarter as New Zealand took a lead of two goals. It was then time for India to make a comeback as they scored two goals in quick succession to level the score 3-3. It was youngster Karthi Selvam and Harmanpreet who pulled one each for the Men in Blue.

Karthi Selvam got his name on the scoresheet again with a brilliant steal from the NZL defender right in front of the shooting circle. India enjoyed the maximum possession as the scoresheet read 7-3 with just seven minutes remaining in the game. NZL pulled one back with a PC conversion by captain Nic Woods but it was too late as India got their second win of the FIH Hockey Pro League season.

Hardik Singh, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, gave the credit to the whole team for their win: “Coming back from a two-goal deficit to win it 7-4 is something that does not happen every time. We were all pumped up during the half-time as the coaches and seniors devised some strategies and asked to keep more ball possession. We followed what the coaches said and the result is in front of you all.”
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PHOTO: File photo of India player Hardik Singh in action during FIH Hockey Pro League match in Bhubaneswar.