A 27th minute goal from Caryn Paewai was enough to secure a vital victory for New Zealand over hosts Azerbaijan in the Champions Challenge women's hockey tournament today.
New Zealand then held on to win 1-0 following a 0-1 loss to England on Sunday.
After a cautious start
by both teams, Azerbaijan had the best chance to lead from two penalty corners, which New Zealand defended stoutly.
The Black Sticks' only penalty corner of the first half did not go to plan, but Lizzy Igasan played a deft pass to the unmarked Paewai who deflected it into the goal.
That changed the game, with Azerbaijan, back by a large crowd at the Baku stadium, opening up a lot more to chase the equaliser.
They had several chances, with the best effort coming from striker Zeynab Nuriyeva, who hit Beth Jurgeliet's pads from in front of the goal.
Azerbaijan continued to raid New Zealand's goal but lacked finishing.
Zarifahon Zeynalovab's hopeful reverse stick flick flew over the bar.
In the other second-day matches, Korea beat England 4-2 and the United States beat China 2-1.
- NZPA
