India women’s team made a horrific start to their campaign in the FIH World league Round 3 as they were mauled 0-7 by New Zealand in the opening match of Pool B, here on Thursday.
Ranked third in the world, New Zealand entered the tournament as the second-highest ranked squad in the eight-team field and the top team in Pool B. Expectedly, the Black Sticks had no problem against the 12th-ranked Indians, who looked completely out of sorts.
The Indians though looked impressive in the initial few minutes of the game, they lost their way as the game progressed.
Charlotte Harrison (8th) a field goal and a few minutes later the Indians conceeded an own-goal to double New Zealand’s lead. Katie Glynn (26th) and Sian Fremaux (31st) added a goal each to go into the breather with a comfortable 4-0 lead.
The second half was no different as New Zealand continued their attacking game and pumped in three more goals to hand India a humiliating defeat.
Harrison (52nd) and Glynn (69th) scored two more goals in the second half, while Krystal Forgesson also shot in her first of the game in the 53rd minute to complete the rout.
Exception for own goal, all of the New Zealand goals came from field efforts. The Indians will now play Belgium on Friday, while New Zealand will play Germany.