~Amit Rohidas (4′), Sanjay (32′) and Selvam Karthi (54′) score for India to help them climb to the top of the rankings ~
Ipoh, Malaysia, November 27, 2025: The Indian men’s hockey team put in a fine performance to beat New Zealand 3-2 in a hard-fought match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Stadium in Ipoh on Thursday. Amit Rohidas (4′), Sanjay (32′) and Selvam Karthi (54′) got on the scoresheet for India, while George Baker (42′, 48′) scored for New Zealand.
It was New Zealand who took the lead in the opening minutes of the match, but the Indian defense ensured that no scoring opportunities were given away. India created their first real chance through a well-thought-out move that resulted in a Penalty Corner and Amit Rohidas (4′) made it count with a ferocious drag move to open the scoring. India were denied a second goal after the New Zealand keeper kept out Abhishek’s shot from close range to end a lively first quarter with a 1-0 lead.
The Black Sticks started the second quarter looking for an equalizer and moving the ball looking for an opening. They did get the chance to level things again through a Penalty Corner, but were kept at bay by the Indian defenders throughout the quarter, allowing India to take a small lead with them into half-time.
India started the second half on the front foot and doubled their lead early in the second half when captain Sanjay (32′) converted from a penalty corner. New Zealand looked for an immediate response with a few penalty corners of their own, but failed to break the Indian defense. Pawan was sensational in goal for India but his resistance was finally broken when George Baker (42′) helped New Zealand pull one back, setting up an intriguing final quarter.
New Zealand started the fourth quarter looking for their second goal and managed to restore parity at 2-2 through a Penalty Corner, with George Baker (48′) converting again for them. However, India hit back straight away as Abhishek’s pass was neatly finished by Selvam Karthi (54′), allowing India to regain their lead. They were given the opportunity to put the result beyond doubt with a penalty shot, but they did not convert. However, India held firm in the closing stages to emerge with a well-deserved 3-2 victory.
India will next play Canada on November 29 at 1:30 PM IST. All matches of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 will be broadcast live on FanCode.