Junior India hockey team rout New Zealand 7-1 in Sultan of Johor Cup

India junior men’s hockey team continued their unbeaten run after thrashing New Zealand 7-1 for their second consecutive victory at the eighth Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia on Sunday. India had earlier beaten hosts Malaysia on the opening day of the tournament.

Shilanand Lakra scored a brace in the 15^th and 43^rd minute after Prabhjot Singh had opened the scoring for India as early as the sixth minute. Harmanjit Singh (21st), Mohd Faraz (23rd), Abhishek (50th) and skipper Mandeep Mor (60th) were the others goal scorers.

Meanwhile, Sam Hiha scored the lone goal for New Zealand in the 53^rd minute.

Two-time champions India were off to a great start after Prabhjot put them ahead in the sixth minute. Shilanand, who made his senior debut earlier this year then scored in the 15^th minute past the New Zealand goalkeeper to double the lead.

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New Zealand was good on the counter but Indian custodian Pankaj Rajak was in top-notch pulling out some great saves to deny the opposition.

They were further pushed backwards when Harmanjit and Mohd Faraz scored in the 21^st and 23^rd minutes, the latter converting a penalty corner as India went 4-0 up in two quarters.

India went 5-0 up, two minutes away from the fourth quarter through Lakra, while Abhishek scored a sixth in the 50^th minute. New Zealand pulled one back through Hiha three minutes later but India returned in the final minute to add a seventh through skipper Mandeep to seal the tie.

India next take on Japan in their third match on October 9.

Image Source: India TV