~Remaining undefeated after starting their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 campaign with a 3-2 win against Great Britain on Saturday~
Johor (Malaysia), October 12, 2025: India Colts remained unbeaten as they recorded a comfortable 4-2 win against New Zealand in the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor, Malaysia. Goals were scored by Arshdeep Singh (2′), PB Sunil (15′), Araijeet Singh Hundal (26′) and Roman Kumur (47′) for the winning side, while Gus Nelson (41′) and Aidan Max (52′) scored for New Zealand.
After making a winning start to their campaign by beating Great Britain 3-2 in their opening match, India Colts built on their momentum in their second match of the tournament with a solid start against New Zealand.
The opening goal for the Indian Junior Team came in the second minute of the first quarter when Arshdeep Singh scored from a loose ball after poor defending in the circle by New Zealand. He made a quick run into the circle from the right flank and shot at goal, but was initially saved by the New Zealand keeper, but managed to convert from the rebound.
India Colts quickly doubled their lead in the last minute of the quarter when Sunil scored PB from a fine PC variation as drag flicker and side captain Rohit passed through to Sunil. This was India’s fourth try after the first three found the foot of New Zealand’s lead rusher. A low snap from Sunil was just enough to find the back of the net.
With a comfortable 2-0 lead, India started the second quarter with the right combinations to create good attacking opportunities. They found an opportunity when Araijeet Singh Hundal, who was standing unmarked in the circle, took a shot after a quick turnaround to make a successful shot on target. This goal in the 26th minute put India in good stead.
Although New Zealand eventually broke the deadlock in the third quarter when Gus Nelson scored in the 41st minute to reduce India’s lead to 3–1, Rosan Kumur scored in the 47th minute through a PC to give India a 4–1 cushion in the final quarter.
Biden Max pulled one back for New Zealand in the 52nd minute and it turned out to be quite an interesting final few minutes, with New Zealand trying to claw their way back into the match but a resurgent Indian defense held firm. They played up to the expectations of their coach PR Sreejesh, who had said in the pre-match interview, “We have to show a better defensive performance.”
India will next play Pakistan on October 14 at 6:05 PM IST.