ROCKINGHAM (AUSTRALIA), Oct 18 (PTI): Comeback Kid S V Sunil and new sensation Yuvraj Walmiki combined well to help India men�s hockey team overcome a fighting New Zealand 5-4 in the second international friendly here today.
India took a three-goal lead within the first 22 minutes of play. But because of their poor defence they allowed the Kiwis to stage come back and equalise early in the second half here at Hellswood Sports Complex in Mundrah.
Yuvraj�s stunner off the feed of Sunil in the 60th minute once again gave India a lead and then Tushar Khandkar consolidated it three minutes later.
And though New Zealand managed to score another goal towards the end of the match, but they fell short by a goal.
Sunil scored the first Indian goal in the very first minute of the match before setting up Yuvraj Walmiki to hit another one within two minutes.
V Raghunath then converted India�s second penalty corner in the 22nd minute to give what seemed an assailable lead, 3-0.
The combination of Sunil and Yuvraj once again came alive after New Zealand cancelled out India�s three-goal lead in the second half.
The Kiwis caught the Indian defence unawares, scoring three goals in the space of ten minutes midway through the second half.
