Skipper Rani Rampal struck twice as the Indian women's hockey team started its first tour of the Olympic year with a confident 4-0 victory over New Zealand Development squad in Auckland today.

Besides Rani's double, Sharmila and Namita Toppo also sounded the board, while the hosts drew a blank. The visitors took the first half to shake off the starting blues with Rani fetching the opening goal in the third quarter.

India continued to build on their 1-0 lead by creating back-to-back Penalty Corners in the following minutes but could not convert. Youngster Sharmila then doubled the lead in the third quarter and Rani stretched it to 3-0 when she scored her second goal of the match in the fourth quarter. Namita Toppo then earned India's fourth goal.

India played with an intent to win to begin the tour where they will play the hosts in four matches and Great Britain in one match.