India scored four goals after the first goalless quarter, defeating hosts Malaysia 4–2 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament at Ipoh (Malaysia) on Tuesday to finish second. Sumit Kumar scored for India in the 17th minute, Sumit Kumar Jr. scored for India in the 27th minute, drag flickers Varun Kumar and Mandeep Singh in the 58th minute. Raji Rahim scored the 21st for the host team and Farhan Ashari scored in the 57th minute.
With two wins and one draw, India finished second in the table after Korea (seven points) with seven points. India defeated Japan 2–0 in the first match and played a 1–1 draw from Korea. The Indian team will take on Canada on Wednesday.
Malaysia secured the first penalty corner in the fifth minute, but Krishna B Pathak, who stood at the Indian goalpost, made a superb defence. Surendra Kumar remained the main player of the Indian backline and got the full support of the experienced Birendra Lakra. Varun Kumar sent the pass over the circle, but the players failed here. But with a right deflection by Sumit, India achieved a significant lead in the 17th minute. Mandeep helped India get their first penalty corner but the team could not double the lead.
Malaysia soon secured their second penalty corner of the match and Raji Rahim did not disappoint the home audience, leading the Malaysian team to an equalizer in the 21st minute. Sumit Kumar Jr. scored in the 27th minute, beating Malaysian goalkeeper Hariri Rahman.
The third quarter was very fast in which both the teams were counter-attacking. India made a dent in the Malaysian defence several times and Mandeep Singh was again beneficial for the team who got another important penalty corner. Drag flicker Varun Kumar scored with a strong flick to put the team ahead 3–1. Malaysia then made several attempts Krishna was very cautious in the goalpost,
In the fourth quarter, Farhan Ashri narrowed the gap by scoring in the 57th minute. But in the very next minute, Mandeep Singh gave the team the fourth goal.
