Hockey
Sultan of Johor Cup: Wasteful India draws with New Zealand
Despite getting more than ten penalty corners, India converted just two of them and drew 3-3 against New Zealand in the last pool game.
The Indian Colts came back from behind to draw 3-3 against New Zealand in the last pool stage match of the ongoing Sultan of Johor Cup on Friday.
With the draw, India's chances to play the finals will depend on the other results as Great Britain and Australia will play later in the day.
The Indian team has themselves to blame after they wasted more than 10 penalty corners while New Zealand was quick on counter-attacks to score the goals.
India got off to a strong start with a fine goal from Gurjot Singh in the 6th minute. Gurjot's timeliness was impressive as his first shot on goal, assisted by Sukhvinder, bounced straight back after the goalkeeper made the save. In his second attempt, he skillfully lofted the ball to the roof of the net to earn India an important 1-0 lead.
In the 8th minute, India had a chance to extend their lead with two back-to-back PCs but the New Zealand goalie was outstanding in his efforts to save. In the following minutes, New Zealand created an attacking formation that helped them make a successful foray into the striking circle, but Rosan Kujur was sharp in his defence to keep them from scoring.
New Zealand equalized in the 17th minute as Jonty Elmes converted the penalty stroke but India was quick to respond and made it 2-1 as Rohit flicked one from the penalty corner.
In the third quarter, Jonty Elmes scored from a penalty corner to make it 2-2. Later towards the end of the quarter, he scored another penalty stroke to make it 3-2 going into the final quarter.
India's woes with penalty corner conversions continued in the fourth quarter as they missed a chance in the 46th minute. Meanwhile, New Zealand rode on the 3-2 lead, as they came up with brilliant counterattacks in the following minutes.
With 90 seconds left on the clock, India found a golden opportunity to equalise when they earned a PC. This time, they finally found success with a splendid variation which was executed to perfection by Talem Priyobarta, ending the thrilling encounter with a 3-3 draw.