The New Zealand men’s hockey team continued their strong start to the 2025 Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup with a well-earned 3–1 win over Korea in challenging, rain-soaked conditions in Malaysia.
With Korea coming off a narrow 1–0 loss to India, the match presented a crucial opportunity for theBlack Sticks to climb to the top of the table, and they seized it.
The opening quarter was evenly balanced, with both teams generating chances but unable to make the early breakthrough. As the weather deteriorated and water began pooling on the surface, the game shifted into a scrappier, more unpredictable contest.
Despite the conditions, the Black Sticks struck first. Sustained pressure late in the second quarter earned a penalty corner, and Sam Lane converted with precision to give the side a 1–0 lead. But in the final second of the half, Korea won a penalty corner of their own and levelled the score, sending the teams into the break locked at 1–1.
The third quarter belonged almost entirely to the Black Sticks. They dominated territory, controlled the tempo, and created seven scoring opportunities while limiting Korea to just one.
Lane and Isaac Houlbrooke came agonisingly close on multiple occasions, but the Korean defence held firm to keep the match level heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was where New Zealand made their dominance count. Lane produced a superb deflection to score his second of the match, restoring the lead and shifting momentum firmly in their favour.
Moments later, debutant Nick Lidstone, playing just his second international match, swept home the team’s third goal, a great milestone in his first tournament.
The win moves New Zealand to the top of the tournament standings, following an opening draw with Malaysia, with games against Canada, India and Belgium remaining before the finals.
