Bengaluru, January 23: India overcame a strong challenge by hosts New Zealand to prevail over them 3-2 in the opening match of the second-leg of Four Nations Invitational Tournament at Hamilton.

Lalit Upadhyay (7th minute), Harjeet Singh (32) and Rupinder Pal Singh (36) scored for the visitors while New Zealand's goals came through Daniel Harris (23) and Kane Russell (37).

India opened the account when skipper Manpreet Singh found Vivek Sagar Prasad swiftly moving towards the top of the circle.

Though Vivek's reverse hit rebounded off the New Zealand keeper, Lalit ensured he picked up the ball to deflect it past Black Sticks goal keeper Devon Manchester.

The second quarter saw New Zealand fight back, constantly attacking the Indian circle and kept goal keeper PR Sreejesh busy at the post.

One such circle penetration won New Zealand their first penalty corner of the match but Kane Russell's drag flick was well-saved by Sreejesh.

An error by Indian defender in New Zealand's half, saw them lose possession in the following minutes that led to New Zealand's equalizer.

It was Hugo Inglis who skilfully dribbled into India's circle from the right flank, got a reverse shot on goal although Sreejesh padded the ball away, Harris was quick to pick up the rebound and put it past the Indian goal keeper to draw level.

The third quarter saw India come back with gusto. Mandeep Singh was clever in his approach to win India their first penalty corner of the match in the 32nd minute which was successfully converted by Harjeet Singh.

Lalit later won India their second PC in the 36th minute and this time Rupinder was near-perfect as he improvised Ramandeep Singh's injection to find the bottom right of the post.

A minute later, New Zealand bagged a PC and Russell reduced the deficit Though New Zealand won another PC in the following minutes, Russell's flick went high up and wide.

The last quarter saw New Zealand make desperate attempts to equalise but their efforts were constantly kept at bay with India staying alert in their defence, not allowing the hosts any chances to score, and successfully held on to the lead till the final hooter.

(Source: Hockey India)

India next take on Belgium on Thursday (January 25).

---

---

Match starts at 10.15am IST

Live streaming on: www.facebook.com/nzblacksti