The Black Sticks have set-up a crucial match against Australia having defeated India 2-0 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last night in Ipoh, Malaysia.
With a win against India and six points in the bag, the Black Sticks will play Australia in a winner takes all match that could well decide the finalist. Last night's game was a must-win, with both teams on three points they needed the victory to stay in contention for a place in Sunday's final.
"It was another pleasing outcome, a really gutsy team performance. We are building the depth within this group and trying to improve with every game we play," says head coach Colin Batch.
"We had a couple of opportunities that we could have put away in the first half, but it was not to be. What was pleasing is we didn't have a lull at the start of the second half, we came back on hungry and scored two goals. The win now sets us up for a showdown against Australia tomorrow," says Batch.
It was a scoreless first half, the Black Sticks were hungry for the ball and untroubled in defence, but neither team created many opportunities.