Stratford (New Zealand), Nov 5 (IANS): Taking on the home team in the opening match of the six-game Test series at the TET Multisports Centre, the junior Indian women's hockey team went down 1-2 to New Zealand here Wednesday.

The game saw both teams giving a hard time to each other every time one team tried penetrating the opponent's D as the defence of both sides was at a high. With a great defensive show, the first half saw no goals scored.

Continuing their defensive game in the second half, both teams could not manage to score till the 53rd minute when New Zealand's Rachel McCann managed to sneak in a penalty corner and open the account for the home team 1-0.

Danielle Sutherland managed to support her teammate and took the lead to 2-0 by scoring a field goal in the 63rd minute.

India showed signs of life immediately after conceding the second goal as Namita Toppo took no time in replying with a field goal in the 64th minute. Putting on an attacking fight in the dying minute, the visitors failed to put in more goals and lost the match 1-2.

India will next play New Zealand Thursday.