Hockey: Men's Black Sticks topple India

Black Sticks captain Simon Child. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand Men's Black Sticks hockey team remain undefeated at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia after a tight 2-1 win over India.

After a goalless first half, captain Simon Child put the Kiwis on the scoreboard in the 38th minute after getting a feather touch on a hard shot at goal from Shay Neal.

India responded with an equaliser just minutes later when Akashdeep Singh pounced on a penalty corner deflection to slip the ball through goalkeeper Devon Manchester's outstretched leg.

But five minutes from fulltime Andy Hayward delivered the winning blow with a powerful penalty corner flick into the left hand corner.

Black Sticks coach Colin Batch said it was pleasing his side were able to lift their intensity.

"After India equalised I was impressed that we were able to find something and win the game. This group has a lot of belief that we can get results," he said.

"Ryan Archibald did really well controlling the midfield in some difficult situations and plenty of the other guys stepped up today."

The result sees New Zealand remain joint leaders on the tournament ladder with a maximum six points ahead of tomorrow's rest day.

The Black Sticks are back in action against Canada on Wednesday.