Rani Rampal scored a hat-trick as the Indian women’s hockey team beat hosts New Zealand 3-2 in the first of five Tests at the Endeavour Trust Twin Turfs in Palmerston North on Saturday.
India led 2-1 at half-time as both teams played attacking hockey resulting in a tight game, according to a Hockey India press release.
Rani struck in the 18th, 20th and 46th minutes, while Sam Harrison (33rd and 61st minutes) reduced the difference for New Zealand.
The hosts created an early opportunity, winning a penalty corner in the first minute but failed to convert. From there on, the Black Sticks committed a number of unforced errors, allowing India to take control of the match.
India surged ahead in the 18th minute when Rani sounded the boards. The wily striker struck again two minutes later to make it 2-0.
The hosts then launched some quick attacks at the end of the first half and with just two minutes to go to half-time, a Harrison deflection helped New Zealand pull a goal back,
The second half saw both the teams trying to cut down on the errors. Rani delivered the goods yet again, when she converted a penalty corner in the 46th minute, to make it 3-1.
The hosts reduced the margin in the 61st minute, but India manned their citadel well until the final whistle.
The teams will now face each other in the second game on Sunday.