Despite displaying a lacklustre performance, India managed a narrow 3-2 win over New Zealand in the first of three practice matches on the run-up to the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Malaysia.

The forward and midfield played well to notch up three goals yesterday, but India conceded two goals due to the sloppy work of the defence.

Captain Dilip Tirkey, forwards Shivendra Singh and Hari Prasad scored for India while Brad Shaw and Blair Hopping shot home for the Black Sticks.

More than the Indians, who led 2-0 at half time, the heat proved a major hurdle for the New Zealanders.

Bimal Lakra, Tushar Khandekar, Viren Rasquinha and Shivendra put up a good show while in deep defence, Kanwalpreet Singh showed some solid skills.

Sandeep Singh, however, was a big disappointment.