The Indian men's hockey team play their penultimate pool game of the Azlan Shah Cup against New Zealand on Thursday (November 27). A win against the Black Sticks will put Craig Fulton's chargers within striking distance of a place in the final, given that India will begin as the overwhelming favourites in their last pool game against Canada.With all six teams having played three matches thus far, the Indians, with six points, are behind Belgium and New Zealand, who are both on seven points.The Malaysians are on four points and will play a must-win game against Belgium on Thursday. The Canadians have just one point to show for their efforts, and the Koreans are out of the reckoning for a place in the final, having lost all their matches thus far.Despite being a lower-ranked side, New Zealand have managed to upset the Indians several times on the big stage, as they did in the crossover game of the 2023 FIH World Cup.The New Zealand side currently in action in Ipoh, though, is a relatively young squad that will bank on the experience of Dane Lett and captain Sam Lane. The speedy Aidan Sarikaya will be one of the players to watch out for in the Black Sticks team. Sean Findlay and Thomas Dylan are expected to play key roles.Sam Lane is the leading goalscorer in the competition thus far with four goals against his name, while George Baker has scored a couple.New Zealand has yet to be beaten in the tournament, but will face a stiff challenge in the matches to come against India and Belgium.Meanwhile, the Indian think-tank will be relieved that the boys finally managed to score off a penalty corner, thanks to Amit Rohidas in the game against Malaysia, even as Jugraj Singh and Sanjay continue to struggle.The goalkeeping department is an area of concern for India in Ipoh, with Krishan B Pathak and Surak Karkera not in the side. Mohith HS, who had a torrid time against Belgium, was on the sidelines for the Malaysia game, even as an overworked Pawan stood tall under the bar.India vs New Zealand, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025, Match detailsMatch Details: India vs New Zealand, League Match, Azlan Shah Cup 2025Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 1:30 PM ISTVenue: Ipoh, MalaysiaIndia vs New Zealand: Azlan Shah Cup PredictionPlugging the gaps in defence would be vital for the Indians to avoid putting undue pressure on the young goalkeeping duo. The Indians dominated the game against Malaysia, but failed to make the most of several opportunities and can ill afford to repeat the same against the Black Sticks. Not conceding early would be equivalent to half the job done for a side that boasts exceptional talent in the forward line, with Abhishek as the livewire.Score Prediction: India 3 - 1 New ZealandWhere to watch Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 matches in India?The Azlan Shah Cup 2025 will be livestreamed on the Fancode app and website in India.