On Saturday, the Indian men's hockey team faced the New Zealand men's hockey team, and the Indian team won the game by 3-2.
Kane Russell started the game with a goal from the penalty corner in the first quarter and then Rupinder Pal equalized the scoreboard as he won a penalty stroke from the penalty corner.
The second quarter started with a 1-1 score. During the 26th minute, India took the 2-1 lead. The second goal was hit was Harmanpreet Singh from the penalty corner. Rupinder Singh brilliantly tricked New Zealand players and passed the ball towards Harmanpreet on his left.
Teams entered the third quarter with a 2-1 score, India lead by 1 goal. India’s third goal and Harmanpreet’s second was shot during the early third quarter. Harmanpreet found the back of the net from a penalty corner. Another penalty corner for India during the 36th minute of the game, Harmanpreet was ready for his hat-trick with a shot on target but NZL keeper made a good save.
During the 43rd minute, New Zealand pulled a goal back. Stephen Jenness scored a goal with a lovely past Sreejesh in the near post.
Teams entered the final thrilling 15 minutes of the match as India lead New Zealand 3-2. Both teams struggled for a goal but failed. Kane Russell almost made a shot during the 58th over but Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh executed a full-stretch and save the goal. Sreejesh denied New Zealand the equalizer.
The game was over and team India’s defense remained strong and kept the score 3-2, in their favor. India beat New Zealand 3-2.
Now, team India men hockey will play against world no. 1 team Australia at 3 pm IST on Sunday and the women hockey team would take on the Netherlands at 5:15 PM IST on Saturday.