IPOH (MALAYSIA), April 12 (PTI): A gritty New Zealand surprised world champions Australia 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out in a keenly-contested summit clash to claim their second Azlan Shah Cup hockey title here today.
Goalkeeper Devon Manchester starred for the Black Sticks under the woodwork to secure the hard-earned win in the shoot-out against defending champions Australia after both the teams were tied 2-2 in regulation 60 minutes.
Drag-flicker Andy Hayward (5th minute, 58th) scored New Zealand�s both goals while Australia struck late through Jacob Whetton (50th) and Mark Knowles (60th) to take the match into the shoot-out. It was a high intensity affair between the Trans-Tasman rivals and at one time New Zealand nearly sealed the match when Hayward converted a penalty corner just two minutes from the hooter.
But the Kookaburras did not give up without a fight and mounted continuous attacks on the New Zealand goal and in the process secured a penalty stroke just a few seconds from the final hooter. Knowles stepped up and made no mistake to prolong the game further.
In the shoot-out, only Whetton scored for Australia as Daniel Beale, Eddie Ocekden and Aran Zalewski faltered to hand New Zealand their second Azlan Shah title after 2012.
New Zealand�s victory also snapped Australia�s winning streak here as they stopped the Kookaburras winning their third consecutive triumph at the Azlan Shah Cup.
