Rotterdam: Rupinderpal Singh scored a brace, including the equaliser that saved India the blushes as they drew 4-4 against lower-ranked Ireland in Pool B in the men’s competition of the FIH world league round 3 on Thursday.
Rupinderpal (40th, 66th minute) converted penalty corners in the second half while Akashdeep Singh scored in the 21st minute and Shivendra Singh scored in the 47th.
Ireland, ranked 15th to India's 11th, rallied from a goal down to go 2-1 and then led 4-3 with six minutes left. For Ireland, Alan Sothern (25th), Paul Gleghorne (30th), Andrew McConnell (64th) scored field goals while Conor Harte converted a penalty corner (57th).
Indian eves lose 0-7 to Black Sticks
Meanwhile India women were thrashed 0-7 by world no 3 New Zealand in their opening Pool B match. The Black Sticks made merry against their 12th-ranked opponents as India lost their way after some impressive performance initially.
Charlotte Harrison struck in the eighth minute and India added to their trouble soon after by conceding an own goal. Katie Glynn (26th minute) and Sian Fremaux (31st) too scored to make it 4-0 at halftime. Harrison (52nd), Glynn (69th) and Krystal Forgesson (53rd) scored in the second half. India face 13th-ranked Belgium on Friday.