Amandeep Lakra struck a hat-trick as the Indian junior men's hockey team remained on course to defend its title, stunning New Zealand 6-2 to enter the semifinals of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru on Monday.
Lakra (2nd, 7th, 35th), Arun Sahani (12th, 53rd) and Poovanna Chandura Boby (52nd) got on the scoresheet for India, while Luke Aldred (29th, 60th) scored a brace for New Zealand.
India made a positive start and earned a PC in the opening minute of the match. Lakra was on target to capitalise from the early opportunity, flicking the ball powerfully past New Zealand goalkeeper Luke Elmes, and earning a confidence-inducing 1-0 lead in the second minute.
The pressure continued to pile on New Zealand in the following moments with India picking up yet another PC in the seventh minute.