New Zealand women stun Australia at World Hockey League

New Zealand pulled off the biggest surprise of the ongoing World League Semifinals with a 2-0 win over World Cup silver medalists Australia in the women's preliminary league in Antwerp.

After a goalless first half, World No. 4 New Zealand surged ahead through captain Anita Punt's penalty corner conversion in the 37th minute at the KHC Dragons Stadium.

The match was put beyond Australia's reach by a open field goal from Ella Gunson in the 54th minute, taking New Zealand to the top of Pool B with victories in all three outings, giving them the maximum nine points.

World No. 2 Australia are placed in second spot with six points from three outings and now take on India in their last pool outing on Saturday.

New Zealand will meet hosts Belgium in their last game. Belgium, who started with a 1-0 victory over India, defeated Poland 2-0 on Thursday. The Belgian girls now have six points from three outings, having suffered the only defeat at the hands of Australia.

In Pool A matches, Asian Games gold medalists South Korea outplayed France 11-0, while Japan were held to a 2-2 draw by Italy.

Image: Australia and New Zealand players in action during their World Hockey League Semifinal pool match on Thursday

Photograph: fih.ch