Published 14:13 IST, December 7th 2019

India beat New Zealand 4-1 in 3-Nations women's junior hockey tournament

Sharmila Devi struck twice as the Indian junior women's hockey team secured a superb 4-1 win over New Zealand

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Sharmila Devi struck twice as Indian junior women's hockey team secured a superb 4-1 win over New Zealand in its third match of 3-Nations Tournament here on Saturday.

India came from a goal down to defeat ir opponents after New Zealand's Olivia Shann (4th minute) had scored for her side. 

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It was Sharmila Devi (12th, 43rd), Beauty Dungdung (27th) and Lalrindiki (48th) who scored goals for India in ir impressive victory.

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In a shaky start to match, India conceded a Penalty Corner in 4th minute, and New Zealand made most of it as y scored through Olivia to make it 1-0 in ir favour.

India fought back inside first quarter and found equalizer when Sharmila finished off a crisp team-move to make it 1-1 in 12th minute. 

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Both teams had several chances in second quarter as well, but neir could convert until India finally mand to convert ir Penalty Corner in 27th minute. 

It was India's forward Beauty, who produced a sublime finish to give her team a much-deserved lead.

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New Zealand did have a Penalty Corner at stroke of half-time break, but India's Bichu Devi Kharibam made a decent save to ensure India retained ir 2-1 lead.

start of third quarter was slightly slower for both teams as y tried to implement different strategies. 

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Indian goalkeeper Bichu was called into action again in 40th minute, but she made a diving save to protect her side's lead. 

Three minutes later, it was India's chance to break away on counter which saw Sharmila score her second field goal to extend India's lead to 3-1. 

confidence levels rose within Indian team after scoring ir third goal, and it was visible in last quarter when y started aggressively. 

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In 48th minute, India won mselves a Penalty Corner, and resulting execution saw young Forward Lalrindiki score past New Zealand's goalkeeper Kelly Carline to make it 4-1, and secure win for her side. 

New Zealand did try to pose a threat in remaining minutes, but could t penetrate through Indian defense which meant India registered ir second win in three matches of 3-Nations Tournament.

India will face hosts Australia in ir fourth and final match on Sunday

13:29 IST, December 7th 2019