Devon Manchester’s heroics between the posts helped New Zealand upset world champions Australia to take the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in Malaysia on Sunday.
After both teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time, the Black Sticks prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to regain the title they last won beating Argentina in 2012.
New Zealand should have won the game in regulation time but conceded a contested penalty stroke in the dying seconds of the game.
In the shootout, Australia’s sole conversion was by Jacob Whetton. Daniel Beale missed the first attempt while Eddie Ockenden and Aran Zalewski missed the third and fourth attempts.
New Zealand’s Hugo Inglis, Blair Hilton and Ryan Archibald all converted the Kiwis’ first three attempts while captain Simon Child missed his attempt.
But Child did not have to worry as Zalewski was foiled by Manchester.
In regulation time, it was New Zealand who took the lead just five minutes into the game after they were awarded a penalty corner.
Their drag flick specialist Andy Hayward sent the Australian keeper Tristan Clemons the wrong way to give his side a shock 1-0 lead.
Title holders Australia, who have won the tournament eight times, came out firing and dominated the game but Black Sticks keeper Manchester managed to bring out his best despite the Australian team swarming the New Zealand goalmouth.
Both teams created numerous chances but were unable to score with both keepers in superb form.
However, after toiling for 50 minutes, Australia finally managed to get past Manchester when Jacob Whetton, with an assist from Jamie Dwyer, deflected the ball past the Kiwi keeper.
New Zealand looked to have sealed the title after Andy Hayward converted another penalty corner in the 58th minute.
Unfortunately, following an infringement inside the final minute, New Zealand had to concede a penalty corner.
Australia’s Nicholas Budgeon beat Manchester from the spot to send the match into a shootout.
Meanwhile India edged out South Korea 4-1 also in a shootout after both teams were locked 2-2 in regulation time in the playoff for third place in the competition.
Indian keeper Sreejesh Parattu was the hero in the shootout as he stopped two South Korean attempts.
In another game, Canada confined Malaysia to last spot in the tournament.
The Canadians defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the shootout after both teams were tied at 4-4 in regulation time.