CHANDIGARH (India), Feb 4: Hosts India ground out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, while Germany and New Zealand finished 0-0 at the Punjab Gold Cup field hockey tournament on Wednesday.

The results leave India and the Netherlands with eight points each, while Germany and New Zealand have two points apiece in the four-nation invitational tournament.

The Dutch team enjoyed most of the possession in their game and forced a series of good saves from goalkeeper Baljit Singh, starting with one in the seventh minute to deny Lucas Judge.

The pressure finally told in the 32nd minute, though, when Jeroen Hertzberger scored from the left flank off a measured pass from Rob Rackers.

Shivendra Singh levelled early in the second half, following up after a powerful shot from India skipper Sandeep Singh, only for Bob Voogd to convert a second penalty corner for the Netherlands after a rebound off the goalkeeper in the 52nd minute.

However, the Dutch lead lasted only two minutes, with Prabhjot Singh equalizing from the left flank. The Netherlands responded by pushing forward in search of a winner but India’s defence weathered the storm.

For Germany, the day was a repeat of the frustration from Tuesday’s game against India, when they wasted a series of chances and were beaten 2-0.

The source of the frustration was New Zealand goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex, who was declared man of the match for the second time during the tournament.

New Zealand had the first penalty corner but could not convert. Three minutes later, Germany had their first penalty corner but Maximillan Mullar hit the bar with a firmly struck shot.

In the second half Germany got penalty corners in 55th, 67th and 70th minutes, but were unable to convert, while New Zealand’s 69th minute opportunity was also in vain.—AP