New Zealand have opened their Hawke's Bay Cup women's hockey campaign in Hastings with a scratchy 1-0 win over India.
A goal to Olivia Merry 25 seconds into the second quarter proved the difference in a game the Black Sticks dominated but struggled to get the ball past outstanding Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia.
Captain Sam Charlton was disappointed her world No.4 team weren't more effective up front against the 13th-ranked Indians, lamenting their failure to score from five penalty corners.
"It was an OK start but it's about making sure we're more clinical, because against some tougher teams we won't get as many opportunities so we need to put them away," she said.
Defender Liz Thompson brought up her 100th international cap in the match at just 21.
New Zealand next play fifth-ranked China, who hammered world No.13 Ireland 4-0.
There have been two unexpected results in pool A, most notably defending champions and world No.3 Australia held to a 1-1 draw by 10th-ranked Japan.
It took a late goal from Georgie Parker to secure a point for the Hockeyroos after Mie Nakashima lifted the ball over goalkeeper Ashlee Wells to open the scoring.
The tournament opened with a shock 2-1 win for 19th-ranked Canada over a Korean side ranked 10 places higher.
