New Zealand eased to a 3-0 victory over India in their international football friendly at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday. The home side controlled proceedings from the outset, sealing a comprehensive win after building a commanding advantage before the interval.
Finn Surman opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a header, before James McGarry doubled the lead five minutes before the interval with a strike from the edge of the area. New Zealand captain Chris Wood added a third just three minutes later to put the contest out of reach.
India struggled to impose themselves offensively throughout the encounter, failing to register a meaningful threat on goal in the opening period. Head coach Khalid Jamil introduced several defensive changes after the interval, deploying five men at the back to stem the flow of goals.
The tactical adjustments brought some stability after the restart, with substitute goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari making important saves and defender Bijoy Varghese clearing a header off the line. However, the visitors remained largely toothless in the final third and could not mount a serious comeback.
New Zealand continued to probe in the second half through sustained possession and numerous crosses into the box, though further scoring was prevented by resolute defensive clearances and Tiwari's interventions. India managed some extended spells of possession late in the game but failed to convert them into clear scoring opportunities as the All Whites closed out the clean sheet.
Brief scores: New Zealand 3 (Finn Surman 22, James McGarry 40, Chris Wood 43) beat India 0.
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