Stratford (New Zealand), Nov 6 (IANS): The Indian junior women's hockey team put up a brave fight to hold New Zealand 2-2 in their second match of a six-match series being played at the TET Multisports Centre here Thursday.

The hosts started brightly with Kelsey Smith scoring to put them ahead in the first half and held on to the lead at the first break.

India upped the ante in the second half and levelled through forward Anupa Barla.

India's equaliser intensified the contest as both teams went forward in search of goals with the visitors pulling ahead.

Jaspreet Kaur converted a penalty corner, hitting it low to the New Zealand keeper's right to make it 2-1.

India, however, failed to hold onto the lead conceding 12 minutes from time with Rachel McCann scoring a field goal.

In the last quarter of the keenly contested game, both teams managed to create scoring opportunities but could not capitalise on the chances.

India play their third match here Nov 8.