Breda (The Netherlands), July 24 (IANS) Captain Rani Rampal slammed a hat-trick as India thrashed New Zealand 6-1 to secure their first win in the women’s Volvo International Under-21 hockey tournament here on Friday.
Striker Rani (fifth, 30th, 40th minutes), Navneet Kaur (ninth), Anupa Barla (46th) and Lily Mayengbam (70th) scored the goals for India, while Pippa Norman converted a penalty corner in the 53rd minute for New Zealand.
Rani opened India’s account with a field goal in the fifth minute and four minutes later, Navneet Kaur scored a field goal to double the lead.
After conceding two early goals, New Zealand reorganised their defence and it showed. They attacked well, even though it wasn’t fruitful.
However, India kept attacking and struck the third goal through the energetic efforts of Rani in the 30th minute and 3-0 remained till the half-time.
The second half continued with the same momentum as Indian eves dominated the match and maintained constant pressure on the New Zealand girls. Rani completed her hat-trick as the 20-year-old brilliantly converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute before Barla made it 5-0 six minutes later.
Indian goalkeeper Inderpreet Kaur must also be credited for her strong show under the bar as she foiled New Zealand’s several attack.
New Zealand girls dug deep and finally broke the shackles to score their first goal as Pippa scored through a penalty corner in the 53rd minute.
Lily also put herself in the scoresheet by scoring India’s sixth goal in the final minute of the game to give a memorable victory to her side.
India will face England on Saturday.