New Zealand 2 defeated Italy 1
Goals: NZL – Suzie Muirhead PC 20m, Honor Dillon FG 66m; ITA - Francesca Faustini PS 22m

Australia 2 defeated Malaysia 1
Goals: AUS – Nikki Hudson FG 2m, Nicole Arrold PC 30m; MAS - Siti Noor Ruhani PS 69m

Australia and New Zealand overcame stiff resistance to record a pair of 2-1 wins on day three of the Indira Ghandi Gold Cup in New Delhi.

New Zealand scored a late goal through Honor Dillon to edge Italy while Australia found the net twice in the first half to defeat Malaysia.

In stifling conditions, New Zealand captain Suzie Muirhead got her team off to a good start in the 22nd minute, but the Black Sticks’ lead was short-lived as Italy hit back soon after with a penalty stroke levelling the scores.

However Dillon scored for New Zealand late in the match to save her team from a shock result.

Australia’s win was slightly little less stressful than New Zealand’s, with Nikki Hudson and Nicole Arrold scoring in the opening half for a 2-0 Hockeyroos lead at the break.

Australia held their lead until the second last minute, when Malaysia scored from a penalty stroke to reduce the margin to one.

The victories were the teams’ first in the tournament after they fought a goalless draw against each other in their opening match of the tournament.

Australia and New Zealand were not supposed to meet each other until Wednesday, but Russia’s late withdrawal forced tournament organisers to reshuffle the tournament draw.

After two rounds in the tournament, India are on top of the points table with a maximum six points. India are yet to play the tournament favourites (Australia and New Zealand), recording 5-0 and 2-1 wins against Italy and Malaysia respectively on the opening two days of the tournament.

Australia and New Zealand follow with four points each after a win and a draw.

Results
Day 1 – Saturday 1 October
India 2 defeated Malaysia 1
Goals: IND – Saba Anjum FG 6m PC 24m; MAS - Norfaraha Hashim PC 22m

Day 2 – Sunday 2 October
India 5 defeated Italy 0
Goals: IND - Jasjeet Kaur FG 3m FG 52m FG 66m, Saba Anjum FG 62m FG 65m

New Zealand 0 drew Australia 0

Day 3 – Monday 3 October
New Zealand 2 defeated Italy 1
Goals: NZL – Suzie Muirhead PC 20m, Honor Dillon FG 66m; ITA - Francesca Faustini PS 22m

Australia 2 defeated Malaysia 1
Goals: AUS – Nikki Hudson FG 2m, Nicole Arrold PC 30m; MAS - Siti Noor Ruhani PS 69m

Points Table
India 6 points
New Zealand 4
Australia 4
Malaysia 0
Italy 0