Auckland (New Zealand), Mar. 1: India won the fourth men''s hockey test 2-0 against New Zealand in Auckland today to secure the series by the same margin.

Second-half strikes by Sandeep Singh and Dilip Tirkey settled the issue a day after the teams fought out a 1-1 draw at the same venue in the third international.

They were perhaps fortunate not to be behind at half-time after the New Zealanders felt they should have had a goal two minutes before the interval.

New Zealand were instead awarded a stroke after the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal.

The Indians successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball had hit a New Zealand foot earlier.

A 16-yard hit was awarded to the Indians, much to the consternation of a parochial crowd.

India played a little one dimensionally in the first half and New Zealand''s cover defence was equal to their attacks, with Stephen Graham making some crucial saves in goal.

The second half was a different story altogether with India picking up the pressure.

Dilip Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute as the umpiring calls continued to go against the Black Sticks.

From there the Indians opened up and were spectacular on the counter attack.

Expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh scored the match winner in the 67th minute after finding the top left of the goal with apparent ease.

Inexperience showed at times in the New Zealand side, with too many players guilty of turnovers which the polished Indians capitalised on. (ANI)