Table of Contents
Result:
In the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup Hockey, India triumphed over Malaysia with a score of 4-1 in their second match. Prior to this match, Malaysia had won all of their previous four matches in the tournament. Consequently, Malaysia was in strong form and had a high ranking in hockey; currently, India holds the 7th spot, while Malaysia is at 12th. However, during this match, India executed a clinical performance against Malaysia.
First-half highlights:
First-quarter highlights:
India’s start to the match was not particularly strong. Malaysia took an early lead by scoring just 2 minutes into the match, with Shafiq Hassan finding the net. Despite conceding a goal right at the start, India was attacking with complete control over the match. However, they were unable to score any goals during the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the score was India 0, Malaysia 1.
Second-quarter highlights:
At the start of the second quarter, India was awarded five consecutive penalty corners. From the last of these, Harmanpreet Singh’s powerful drag flick was blocked by the Malaysian goalkeeper, but Manpreet Singh managed to capitalize on the rebound and scored in the 17th minute. Shortly thereafter, in the 19th minute, Shilanand Lakra set up Sukhjeet Singh inside the circle, whose shot beat the Malaysian keeper and put India ahead 2-1. India scored their third goal in the second quarter at the 24-minute mark, when Dilpreet Singh struck strongly from outside the circle, and Shilanand Lakra brilliantly redirected the ball into the goal. At the end of the second quarter, the match score stood at India 3, Malaysia 1.
Second-half highlights:
Third-quarter highlights:
India continued playing aggressive hockey throughout the third quarter. The team scored their fourth goal in the 38th minute, following Jugraj Singh’s powerful drag flick from a penalty corner that struck the goalpost. India regained control of the ball, and when Manpreet Singh received it inside the circle, he skillfully passed it to Vivek Sagar Prasad, who scored with a simple tap. As the third quarter ended, the score was India 4, Malaysia 1.
Fourth-quarter highlights:
In the fourth quarter, India maintained possession of the ball. They created several scoring chances in this period but were unable to add to their score. Nonetheless, India showcased an excellent performance until the conclusion of the match, emerging victorious with a 4-1 defeat of Malaysia.
Currently, India tops the Super Four points table with 4 points from two matches. Given the standings in the group’s points table, a draw against China in their final group match will be sufficient for India to advance to the final.