The Indian men's hockey team overcame a determined challenge from a gritty New Zealand side before emerging victorious 3-2 in a crucial Azlan Shah Cup pool game in Ipoh on Thursday (November 27). Thanks to the win, Craig Fulton's team are well placed to advance to the final with a game in hand against Canada.Amit Rohidas displayed his prowess from the top of the circle, as did his captain, Sanjay. George Baker reduced the deficit from open play. and then scored off a penalty corner to draw his side level. Karthi Selvam's goal from open play enabled India to retain the lead before Sanjay missed a penalty stroke. Pawan and Mohith HS were outstanding in goal for the Men in Blue. India earned a penalty corner in the fourth minute thanks to Sukhjeet Singh. Amit Rohidas scored his second goal of the tournament much as he did in the game against Malaysia. The veteran defender took a step forward and tapped the ball one way before angling the drag flick the other way, giving George Enersen in goal no chance whatsoever. The ball caught Amit Rohidas' foot in the circle in the 28th minute, but Mohith did well to use his right kicker to thwart Sam Lane's drag-flick even as the Indians went into the long breather with a slender one-goal lead.Sukhjeet Singh manufactured India's second penalty corner in the 32nd minute. Sanjay directed his drag-flick to the far corner of the net, with the ball beating Leon Hayward after touching the edge of the post and angling inwards.The Black Sticks were rewarded for their persistent attacks with a goal from open play in the 42nd minute. George Baker managed to slip the ball into the goal with a flurry of players around.Pawan pulled off a lightning save with Sam Lane taking a shot from close range in the 48th minute. New Zealand, did, however, earn a penalty corner which was dispatched into the Indian goal by George Baker following a well-worked routine.An unmarked Karthi Selvam, who was lurking at the goalmouth, scored a poacher-style goal in the 54th minute, much to the delight of the Indian camp.A penalty corner in the 55th led to a stroke after the ball struck Simon Yorston's arm in front of the goal. Sanjay, who scored from the spot against Malaysia, failed to beat Leon Hayward, who dived the right way. Luckily for the Indians, the miss did not prove to be costly in the vital Azlan Shah Cup game.How has India fared thus far in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?The Indians have won 2 of their 4 matches in the Azlan Shah Cup - Source: Hockey IndiaThe Indians began their Azlan Shah Cup campaign with a 1-0 win against Korea in a match that ended at midnight after being rescheduled on account of bad weather. The very next day, the Indians were up against Belgium and went down fighting 2-3 in a rain-interrupted game.India dominated for nearly three quarters of the game against Malaysia, but still conceded three goals, before coming away with a 4-3 win. The win against New Zealand has strengthened India's position ahead of their final pool game of the Azlan Shah Cup, where the Olympic bronze medalists face Canada on Saturday.