Malak Singh (28th, 37th) scored both the goals for India, while the lone goal for New Zealand was converted by Kane Russel in the 6th minute.
After thrashing arch-rivals Pakistan 5-1 on Tuesday, India needed to garner full points against the Kiwis and they did just that after managing to hang in there in a cliff hanger of a battle at Taman Daya stadium here.
With just a match to go against hosts Malaysia on Friday, India now have a chance of reaching the finals of the competition but it would depend on other results as well.
The match against the Kiwis was no different as far as India was concerned. Like in the all other games, India conceded an early penalty corner goal to New Zealand.
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