New Zealand 2 India 3
Striker Rani Rampal was the toast of India after scoring a hat-trick in a win over a young New Zealand side in the first women's test at Palmerston North yesterday.
India took control of the match as New Zealand began to make unforced errors after failing to convert a penalty corner in the first minute.
The India attack foraged effectively to create a number of opportunities in the first half and were rewarded with two fantastic goals from Rampal in the space of two minutes.
The Black Sticks lifted their intensity late in the first half but found Indian goalkeeper Murty Dipika a stumbling block.
It took a Sam Harrison deflection to beat Dipika with two minutes to go in the half.
India extended their lead when Rampal got her third goal 16 minutes into the second half, expertly deflecting a penalty corner shot into the goal.
New Zealand were pinned in defence after this as India assumed control of possession and territory.
But the Black Sticks replied when Harrison smacked the ball home during a goalmouth tussle in the 61st minute.
New Zealand had a number of late opportunities, but India held out, with Dipika stopping a number of goal-worthy shots.
The Black Sticks had an experimental look to them, with senior players Kayla Sharland, Krystal Forgesson, Emily Naylor, Katie Glynn and Gemma Flynn absent with club commitments in Europe and others sidelined through injury.
The five-match series gives coach Mark Hager the chance to look at other players ahead of the Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games later this year.
But Hager said it was a disappointing performance, with the team not playing consistently. While they created opportunities early on, they were unable to capitalise on them.
The second test is at the same venue today.
India 3 (R. Rampal 3) New Zealand 2 (S. Harrison 2). Halftime: 2-1.
