India [ Images ] stayed in contention for a podium finish in the Sultan of Johor Cup under-21 hockey tournament after a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over New Zealand [ Images ] in Johur Bahru, Malaysia, on Wednesday.

Malak Singh scored for India in the 28th and 37th minute, after Kane Russel had put the Kiwis ahead in the sixth.

After thrashing arch-rivals Pakistan 5-1 on Tuesday, India needed to garner full points against the Kiwis and they did just that in a cliff-hanger at the Taman Daya stadium.

With just a match to go against hosts Malaysia on Friday, India have a chance of reaching the final of the competition, though much could depend on the other results as well.

India conceded an early penalty-corner goal to New Zealand. Amit Rohidas charged out for the first penalty-corner, but the flick hit his foot and that led to a second one, which Russel scored to put the Kiwis ahead.

But the Indian colts came back strongly as their midfield and forwardline combined well to penetrate the rival circle a number of times.

India forced three penalty-corners before half-time -- a true measure of its aggression -- but Sampath, Amit and Harpreet took the drills without success.

However, seven minutes before half-time, shortly after M Gunasekar got injured and was substituted, Hawkish Malak Singh pounced on a rebound to score the equaliser.

Malak got his second goal when he latched on to a gentle pass from Satbir, kneeling low to tap the ball home and score what turned out to be the match-winner.

The 37th minute goal led to intense play from both sides and the Indian defense came under severe pressure, but Harpreet Singh and Rohidas rose to the occasion.

The action-filled second half, however, did not show up anything on the board though both teams came close to scoring on many occasions.