FIFA friendly: New Zealand hammer India 5-0 in Auckland

AUCKLAND The Indian men's national team suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat to New Zealand in its first international friendly match of the November FIFA window here on Thursday. Both sides will meet again in Christchurch on Sunday. In what was the Blue Tigers' first-ever match in New Zealand, Jesse Randall struck a brace, while Chris Wood and Lachlan Bayliss found the net after a Bijoy Varghese own goal opened the scoring.

Making his first national team appearance since last June, India goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a string of fine saves, including a second-half penalty to keep the scoreline from worsening. Leading India out as skipper for the first time since 2018, Anirudh Thapa anchored the visitors, as New Zealand pressed early. The 28-year-old had halted Randall's run down the left, but the hosts took the lead in the fifth minute following a scramble in the box.

Moments later, Kaith was called upon again, flying across to deny Matthew Garbett from distance. The Blue Tigers began to find their footing soon.