Goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh showcased nerves of steel, making three crucial saves as the India outwitted New Zealand 3-2 in a thrilling shootout to secure the bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup junior men’s hockey tournament here on Saturday. After the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time, strikers Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha converted their penalties in the tense shootout, while Bikramjit made three outstanding saves to secure victory against New Zealand.

Earlier in regulation time, Dilraj Singh (11′) and Manmeet Singh (20′) had given India a roaring start but New Zealand thawed India’s plans in the final quarter with goals by Owen Brown (51′) and Jonty Elmes (57′).

India got off the blocks with tactful and compact attack. Swift, short passes and skillful dribbling helped them find success as early as in the 11th minute when Dilraj scored from an assist made by Mukesh Toppo to put India ahead 1-0.

India controlled the game in the second quarter too. Their defence was on point and stalled New Zealand forwards from creating scoring opportunities.

However, a defensive error in the 19th minute saw India concede a PC. But the defence line did well to block back-to-back PCs.

In the following minute, a brilliant display of stickwork and combination between Manmeet, Anmol Ekka and Mukesh saw them score stupendous field goal.

The 2-0 lead in the 20th minute put India in good stead. Riding on a good start, India created a flurry of chances before the second hooter but they could not extend the lead.

While the third quarter was goalless, New Zealand bounced back in the fourth quarter scoring two crucial goals that put India’s hopes of winning the bronze in a limbo.

In the 51st minute, Bradley Rothwell assisted Owen Brown from the right flank with a strong cross pass that was perfectly tapped into the net by Brown.

Pressing forward, hunting for an equaliser, New Zealand found success in the 57th minute when Jonty Elmes, who scored a hat-trick against India in their previous game, struck a field goal to take the match to the shootout. PTI ATK APA APA

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh saved his best for the last as he scored the winner from the spot a minute from full time to hand India a 3-2 win against New Zealand in their opening Pool B match of the Paris Olympics on Saturday. Sam Lane (8th minute) and Simon Child (53rd) were the goal scorers for New Zealand, while Mandeep Singh (24th), Vivek Sagar Prasad (34th) and skipper Harmanpreet Singh (59th) struck for India. India started on the offensive with skipper Harmanpreet and Abhsihek pressing hard on the New Zealand defence. New Zealand were initially content to sit back and defend.

But it was New Zealand who stunned India by scoring the first goal of the match through Lane from their first penalty corner.

Stunned by the early goal, India pressed hard and controlled the proceedings for most part of the match.

The Indians utilised both flanks to build their attacks with the Black Sticks contend on sitting back and defending while looking for counters.

Contrary to the scoreline, India’s chief coach Craig Fulton might be a little worried about the team’s penalty corner conversion rate.

India earned five penalty corners but converted just one, while New Zealand had nine set pieces utilising two of them.

India, though, drew level in the 24th minute through a penalty corner when Mandeep scored from a rebound after Harmanpreet’s flick was saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Dominic Dixon.

Couple of minutes after the change of ends, Dixon saved Mandeep’s reverse shot from top of the circle after being fed by a precision assist from Harmanpreet.

Vivek scored from a goalmouth melee four minutes into the second half to hand India the lead.

But within two minutes, New Zealand pressed hard on the Indian defence and secured four back-to-back penalty corners which yielded no result.

Trailing, the Black Sticks kept up their attacking intent and secured two more penalty corner in quick succession, the second of which found back of the net after Child converted from a rebound to level the scores.

But that was not the end of the match as the Indians put on relentless pressure in search of a valuable win and in the process Sukhjeet Singh earned a penalty corner with his smart play, which resulted into another set-piece move.

The second penalty corner turned on to a penalty stroke for India after the dragflick from Harmapreet hit Child on the body and the Indian skipper made no mistake in ensuring the vital win for his team.

India will next play the formidable Argentina in their next Pool B match on Monday.

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India vs New Zealand Live Streaming, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B: The Indian men’s hockey team kickstart their Paris Olympics 2024 journey, as they take on New Zealand in their opening Pool B game. After winning a bronze in Tokyo 2020 – India’s first Olympic hockey medal in 41 years – expectations are high for the men. However, having been placed alongside New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Ireland and Belgium in a difficult Pool B, they have their work cut out. India are ranked seventh in the world, while New Zealand are ranked tenth.

When will the India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match take place?

The India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match will take place on Saturday, July 27 (IST).

Where will the India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match take place?

The India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match will take place at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.

What time will the India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match take place?

The India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match will start at 9:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match?

The India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match will be telecast live on the Sports 18 Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match?

The India vs New Zealand, Olympics 2024 Men’s Hockey Pool B match will be live streamed on the JioCinema app.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

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