SAS 2016: India in Azlan final after thrashing Malaysia

Thrashing the hosts Malaysia 6-1 in the final pool match, India made it to the Saturday final of the Silver Jubilee Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

India needed an outright victory to pip New Zealand and ensure for itself the priceless slot in the final of the Silver Jubilee Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. India has done the same with clinical precision in the striking circle.

With eleven points after six matches New Zealand was second on the pool table above third placed India when India took on the hosts today night. India needed full points to pip New Zealand.

India was quick on target within three minutes from start. Nikkin Thimmaiah stunned Malaysia off a perfect minus from SV Sunil, with close range deflection to put India ahead in the third minute. Then on goals came easily for India which showed enormous prowess in the art of scoring.

Indian precision and speed put Malaysian on back foot, had to be subdued against the sustained attack of India. Malaysia was panicky, physical and wayward, even getting yellow card and then conceding penalty corners outside D due to poor tackles.

At half time India led Malaysia 4-0.

India in fact created double the number of gilt etched chances.

Nikkin act was followed by Harjeet Singh, Danish Mujtaba and Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep Singh struck again to enlarge the lead 5-0 in the third quarter where Sabaah stole a goal to get Malaysia its consolation goal (1=5). But shortly in the fourth quarter, Talwinder Singh slotted an empty cage in the 50th minute to consolidate Indian superiority (6-1).

India last played the Azlan Shah final in 2008, which it lost to Argentina.

India next year won the Azlan Shah but on league format.