NEW DELHI (TIP): India eked out a 1-1 draw against New Zealand in the final hockey Test to pocket the four-match series 2-1 in Christchurch. After a goalless opening two quarters, Nick Ross broke the deadlock for New Zealand in the 41st minute.

But the hosts’ joy was shortlived as India equalised two minutes later through a field goal from SV Sunil (43rd). The first quarter of the game witnessed a series of attacks from the Indians, who dominated the entire session.

Without wasting much time, skipper Sardar Singh broke into the hosts defence from the right flank but his attack was stopped by New Zealand’s Alex Shaw. Indian men’s hockey bounced back strongly and defeated New Zealand 3-1 in the second Test in Christchurch to level the four-match series 1-1 in their ongoing tour to the Kiwi land.

India continued their attacking game in the second quarter but Dharamvir Singh’s brilliant try was blocked by an alert New Zealand goalkeeper. New Zealand, on the other hand, depended mainly on counter attacks but failed to break the agile Indian defence.