Namita Toppo the lone scorer for the junior Indian women hockey team as they began the six-test series with a 1-2 defeat against hosts New Zealand, here today.
Namita struck in the 64th minute to reduce the deficit after India were trailing 0-2 at the TET Multisports Centre.
However, the Indian team could not get the equaliser and the hosts ran away with the lead.
After a barren first half, Rachel McCann put the Kiwi side ahead in the 54th minute through a penalty corner conversion. Danielle Sutherland made it 2-0 for the hosts when she struck a field goal in the 63rd minute.
Namita pulled one back for India in the 64th minute.
The Indian team played aggressively but to penetrate into the rival defense.
The second match of the series will be played tomorrow at the same venue.
