15 June 2025 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Our Vantage Black Sticks opened their Nation’s Cup event marketing campaign in model with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Japan in stormy circumstances on the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.
After greater than an hour delay as a result of thunder and lightning, the match lastly bought underway at 7:15pm native time. Japan struck early with a aim on the counterattack, however New Zealand responded properly. Sam Hiha discovered the again of the online to stage issues up 1–1 on the finish of the primary quarter.
Simon Yorston made a key save on the put up from a Japanese penalty nook, and New Zealand practically went forward with a golden likelihood late within the quarter.
The second quarter noticed New Zealand take management, with 13 circle entries to Japan’s two. Nic Woods got here shut from a penalty nook, solely to be denied by an excellent save on the put up. On the different finish, Dom Dixon made a giant cease to maintain issues stage. Regardless of sturdy strain and a pair extra possibilities, the rating remained 1–1 at halftime.
One other lightning delay prolonged the break by 20 minutes, pushing the overall match delay to over 90 minutes.
The third quarter adopted an identical sample, with New Zealand dominating possession and territory however unable to transform their possibilities.
In a good ultimate quarter, the Black Sticks continued to push. Their persistence paid off within the ultimate 4 minutes, when Dylan Thomas deflected residence the match-winner. Thomas was additionally named Participant of the Match for his efficiency.
The win sees New Zealand take all three factors and transfer to the highest of Pool B.
A particular point out to Gus Nelson and Finn Ward, who each made sturdy contributions on debut. Sadly, Louis Beckert didn’t get the possibility to take the sphere for his debut this time.
