India, Britain play out a draw in Azlan Shah Cup hockey

India was held to a 2-2 draw by Britain in the opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday.

Indian player celebrate after scoring the first goal.

India was held to a 2-2 draw by Britain in the opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday.

Strikers Akashdeep Singh (19th minute) and Mandeep Singh (47th minute) scored for India while Tom Carson (25th minute) and Alan Forsyth (53rd minute) sounded the boards for Britain.

The teams were locked 1-1 at half-time.

After the first quarter ended goalless despite some exciting end to end action, Akashdeep put India ahead in the second period when he tapped in a rebound.

Carson levelled for Britain a short while before half-time with a superb finish.

Both teams continued to play an attacking game after the restart but some good work by the defenders on both ends of the field ensured that no goals were scored in the third quarter.

India took the upper hand in the early stages of the final quarter when Sumit fired in a powerful shot from outside the penalty circle, forcing a save out of England goalkeeper Harry Gibson. However, Mandeep was at the right place at the right time to tap in the rebound.

However, Britain continued to attack and equalised for the second time in the match when Forsyth found the back of the net to steal a point for his team.