India thrash New Zealand to qualify for Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 semifinals

Amandeep Singh continued his scoring form and netted a hat-trick for India.

The Indian junior men’s hockey team maintained their path to defend their title with a resounding 6-2 victory over New Zealand, securing their place in the semifinals of the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023. Amandeep Lakra (2’, 7’, 35’), Arun Sahani (12’, 53’), and Poovanna Chandura Boby (52’) found the back of the net for India, while Luke Aldred (29’, 60’) scored twice for New Zealand.

Following their 3-1 win over hosts Malaysia in the previous match, the Indian colts made a strong start against New Zealand. Their determination to win was evident when they earned a penalty corner in the opening minute of the game. Amandeep Lakra capitalized on this early opportunity, delivering a powerful flick past the New Zealand goalkeeper Luke Elmes to secure a confidence-boosting 1-0 lead in the second minute.

India continued to exert pressure on New Zealand in the following moments, earning another penalty corner in the seventh minute. Lakra remained a key figure in India’s penalty corner attack, unleashing a fierce flick to extend India’s lead.

The defending champions remained relentless in testing New Zealand's defence, adding their third goal in the 12th minute when Arun Sahani's cross from the left wing deflected off Luke Elmes into the goal.

With a commanding 3-0 lead, India began the second quarter in a similar fashion, with Uttam Singh leading India's forward line and attempting a skillful one-on-one tackle with the goalie. However, he was unable to get it past Elmes. Later in the quarter, New Zealand tried to regain their foothold in the game, and they succeeded when Luke Aldred converted a penalty corner in the 29th minute to score their first goal.

Determined to build on their lead, India launched an attacking start in the third quarter, resulting in another penalty corner. Lakra completed a stunning hat-trick with a goal in the 35th minute, putting India in control with a 4-1 lead.

Halfway through the quarter, New Zealand looked to mount a comeback as Daniel Torr evaded a couple of Indian defenders in the circle, but India's goalkeeper Mohith HS remained alert, rushing out to unsettle the forward and force a miss.

As the final quarter began, New Zealand aimed to make a comeback, but the Indian defence held firm. Meanwhile, Indian attackers continued to exhibit a disciplined structure, creating crucial chances that resulted in two more goals in this quarter. In the 52nd minute, Poovanna Chandura Boby scored India's fifth goal from a penalty corner, while Arun Sahani netted his second goal in the 53rd minute, increasing India's lead to 6-1.

With seconds remaining in the game, an infringement by India's defense allowed New Zealand one final opportunity to attack, and Luke Aldred made the most of it, accurately flicking the ball past Mohith. However, this goal did little to prevent India from advancing to the semifinals of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023, scheduled to be played on November 3rd.