The Vantage Black Sticks faced number one giants India in a highly anticipated fourth match of the 2025 Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup, a high-stakes match with a direct route to Sunday’s gold medal match at stake. Squad News added another layer to the occasion with Sean Findlay ruled out through injury, opening the door for James Hickson to make his international debut.
India struck early, converting a penalty corner with a clever variation, opting for a strike from above instead of a tap-in, which sneaked past goalkeeper George Enersen. Despite the early setback, the opening quarter was even, with the Vantage Black Sticks generating strong chances of their own, but unable to find the finishing touch.
The second quarter belonged almost entirely to the Vantage Black Sticks. Wave after wave of attacking pressure created countless scoring opportunities, but the final connection fell just short, reflecting the frustration of yesterday’s final quarter against Canada. Still only one goal behind, the team went into halftime knowing that the next 30 minutes would require both composure and clinical execution.
India took advantage early in the third quarter and scored from the second penalty corner of the match, extending the lead to 2-0. Remarkably, at that point, India had created only two real chances and converted both, while the Vantage Black Sticks had generated seven penalty corners and multiple cross-field chances without reward.
The answer came from George Baker, who was in electric form throughout the tournament. His deft deflection in front of goal pulled the Vantage Black Sticks back into the match, and the remainder of the third quarter saw balanced play, with both teams creating moments but defending strongly.
The fourth quarter came to life. An excellent penalty corner move, with Isaac Houlbrooke spinning to set up Sam Lane for the action, was finished off the post by Baker, making it 2-2 and getting the match underway. Another double for George Baker!
Moments later, controversy struck. The Vantage Black Sticks won a penalty corner that seemed to give them a chance to take the lead, but India’s players put heavy pressure on the referee and despite no video review being available after losing it in the first quarter, the decision was overturned. India responded immediately and raced up the field to score their third goal.
India were awarded a penalty shortly afterwards, but Leon Hayward made a brilliant save to deny a fourth goal, keeping the Vantage Black Sticks alive.
With four minutes remaining, the Vantage Black Sticks removed Hayward to push an extra court player forward. The gamble paid off in territory and opportunities, creating more penalty corners in the closing moments. Sam Lane came agonizingly close to the equalizer, sending a powerful strike past the keeper, but just wide of the far post by millimeters.
The match ended 3-2 in India’s favour, but it was a performance full of courage and fight. The Vantage Black Sticks generated double the circle entries, double the goal chances, a display that shows clear progress against one of the world’s best sides.
Despite the loss, the Vantage Black Sticks remain firmly in contention for a spot in the gold medal match. A win against Belgium on Saturday keeps that dream alive. Everything is still to play for.
New Zealand goalscorers:
42′ George Baker – Field goal
48′ George Baker – Penalty corner goal
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