New Delhi | October | Saturday | 10, 2015 :: The India Men Hockey team will be seen facing New Zealand tomorrow in the final game of the ongoing New Zealand tour. Having beaten the hosts in two consecutive matches, Team India will look forward to continue their winning form and take the series in their name.
After losing the first match of the series in Nelson against the hosts, India came back strongly to register back to back wins in the last two games, leaving New Zealand stunned and groping for a solution to the inform Indian team.
In the final game of the tour, India will look to continue their attacking strategy and look for early goals to keep pressure on New Zealand. The forward line, led by Ramandeep Singh, displayed a brilliant performance as they pushed the Kiwi defenders throughout the series. Nikkin Thimmaiah, Akashdeep Singh and SV Sunil continuously attacked the opponent’s D and did not allow the opponent’s defence to settle down.
They were well-supported by midfielders, led by captain Sardar Singh, who covered almost all parts of the field and kept the opponent’s players busy all the time. Dharamvir Singh, who scored the last minute goal in the previous match, SK Uthappa, Devindar Walmiki and Chinglensana Singh will continue with their control on the midfield in the final match also. With quick passes and surprise attacks, New Zealand will have to prepare themselves better to avoid three defeats in a row.
India successfully held its goal-post with its strong defence line, which includes Birendra Lakra, VR Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Gurjinder Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh. The New Zealand attackers found it difficult to capitalise the opportunities into goals. However, they managed to earn penalty corners but goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Harjot Singh displayed their exceptional skills to defend the goal.
Speaking ahead of the last clash against New Zealand, Director, High Performance and India Men Chief Coach Indian Men, Roelant Oltmans said, “The team is very positive after the consecutive victories against the home side. I have seen a significant improvement in the boys and they have immensely worked on their strategies and tactics by rectifying their mistakes committed in the first match. Our defence is a huge strength for us and I hope we conclude the final game of the tour on a winning note.”
Commenting on the team’s preparation for the upcoming clash, Captain Sardar Singh stated, “The team is now more confident after last two wins against the Black Sticks. The aim will be to put pressure on New Zealand from the onset and work on all departments beginning with defence, ball possession and attack. I hope we continue the winning streak and confront the opponents confidently tomorrow to come up as winners.”
India will take on New Zealand in the last match of the Series on 11th October (tomorrow) at Christchurch.
Match Schedule
| Date | Local Time | Indian Time | Team | Vs | Team | City |
| 11 Oct. 2015 | 13:00 | 05:30 | India | Vs | New Zealand | Christchurch |
