Simply outclassed

Malaysia take a sound beating from India in Super Fours

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia were brought down to earth with a bump when they went down 6-2 to a rampaging India in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup in Dhaka.

The Malaysians went into the match unbeaten after four matches and looked good to take the game to the Indians at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium.

But three goals in the first half and another two in the second destroyed them. The Indians were not in a charitable mood yesterday after they were held 1-1 by South Korea.

The win puts India in pole position to enter Sunday’s final. India lead the Super Fours with four points and will play Pakistan in their final game tomorrow.

Malaysia’s hopes of a final appearance is still intact despite the huge defeat.

They play South Korea in their last match and a draw will see them through to the final. Malaysia have three points after the 3-2 win over Pakistan in their opening Super Four match.

For the Indians, the win was very satisfying as they stopped a two- match winning sequence by their opponents.

Malaysia won 2-1 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and beat India again 3-2 at the World Hockey League Semi-final in London.

Yesterday’s match was their 116th meeting and India have an 80-18-18 record.

Indian opened accounts in the 14th minute through a field goal by Akashdeep Singh and extended their lead five minutes later from a penalty corner goal by Hermanpreet Singh.

S. Uthappa added the third goal in the 24th minute for a 3-0 firsthalf score.

Gurjant Singh and Sunil Sowmarpet added two more goals in the 33rd and 40th minute before Malaysia found the net.

Mohamed Razie Rahim (pic) scored with a penalty corner in the 50th minute while Mohamed Ramadan Rosli sounded the board in the 59th minute.

India immediately hit back in the last minute through Sardar Singh.

Team manager Mohamed Nasihin Nubli said the players were a little tired after the match against Pakistan.

“It’s not easy coming through the preliminary round and then playing two tough back-to-back matches.

“Credit to India for taking their chances well. But we are not out yet.

“We need to get a good result against South Korea. It will be tough as they badly need a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

“We will take a good rest, regroup and we’ll be ready for them,” he added.