Indian women's hockey team lost 1-4 to hosts New Zealand to crash out in the quarter-finals of the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings.
It was India who drew the first blood by successfully converting their first penalty corner through skipper Ritu Rani as early as in the sixth minute of the game.
But India's lead was shortlived as New Zealand equalized in the next minute when Petrea Webster converted their first penalty corner.
The hosts had another penalty corner soon but failed to utilise the opportunity as Indian defence did well to avert the danger.
India played attacking hockey in the second quarter and managed to give a few jittery moments to their opponents but goals eluded them.
Two minutes into the second quarter, India got another penalty corner but wasted the chance.
In the 28th minute, New Zealand managed to break the Indian defence and take a 2-1 lead in the match.
The third quarter was a story of near misses for India as they went all out in search of the equaliser.
But it was New Zealand who extended their lead to 3-1 at the closing stages of the third quarter.
In the 55th minute, New Zealand made it 4-1 in their favour when Ella Gunson scored a fine field goal.
India will next face the loser of the match between USA and Korea in the 5-8 place classification match.
Image: Ella Gunson celebrates with teammate
Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
