India come back from two goals down to hold New Zealand

Pakuranga (New Zealand), April 21 (IANS) India came back from two goals down to hold New Zealand 3-3 in their last preliminary match of the second leg of Women's Four- Nation Tournament at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium here Saturday.

The goal scorers for India were strikers Rani, Vandana Katariya and Chanchan Devi Thokchom while Katie Glynn, Cathryn Finlayson and Krystal Forgesson were on target for New Zealand who led 2-1 at half time.

The Kiwis started aggressively and went two up in 10 minutes with strikes by Glynn and Finlayson but India bounced back holding sway for most of the match.

India not only wiped off the deficit but went into the lead in the second half only to concede the equaliser to New Zealand in the 66th minute.

Defenders Joydeep Kaur and Kirandeep Kaur failed to block the initial New Zealand onslaughts which led to the first two goals, even as Indian forward Rani blew away a couple of chances in the Kiwi striking circle.

However Rani made amends in the 15th minute as her scorcher from atop the circle convincingly beat the New Zealand goalkeeper.

India continued mounting pressure on their rivals after the break and drew level with Vandana Katariya deflecting home a penetrative manoeuvre by midfielder Asunta Lakra in the 55th minute.

India broke into the lead in the next minute with Chanchan Devi Thokchom slamming a rebound past the New Zealand goalkeeper.

They could, however, not hold on to this lead as New Zealand forced a turnover in the 66th minute after Ritu Rani was dispossessed and Forgesson beat Indian goalkeeper Yogita Bali with a clinical sweep shot to draw the match.

India will now face US, Sunday, tomorrow in the third place playoff, while New Zealand take on Tasman neighbours Australia for the title.