India overwhelms Malaysia 4-2 in Melbourne 4-Nation Cup

Nikkin Thimmaiah’s brace and a goal apiece from Rupinder Pal Singh and Akashdeep Singh led India to a over-whelming 4-2 win in the Melbourne 4-Nation Cup.

After a barren first quarter, Sardar Singh setup through Satbir Singh for a fluent goal by Nikkin Thimmaiah from top edge of the circle. The sides changed with this Indian advantage.

Nine minutes into the third quarter, Malaysia hit back with Faizal Saari converting a penalty corner. Shortly, India won themselves their first PC almost from the restart of which Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake, to restore India’s lead.

The teams went into the final break with India leading 2-1.

Malaysia had a flurry of PCs in the opening minutes of the final quarter. Shahril Saabah converted the second to draw them level, setting the stage for a superb finish.

The equaliser from Malaysia served as a blessing in disguise for India as they stepped up their game and started more assertive with their possession, with more penetrations into the Malaysian circle.

For their part, a lot of the play was patient, slow in the build-up but more precise. The dominance on the ball paid off in the 55th minute, Nikkin scoring his second of the game to restore India’s lead.

India were now in the ascendancy. Within a minute Akashdeep Singh scored his first and team’s fourth goal to ensure there would be no nervous moments at the end as India held on for a 4-2 victory.

Tomorrow is rest day

India will play New Zealand on 26 November 2016 at 11.30 am IST.

Indian Goal Scorers:
Nikkin Thimmaiah (24′, 55′
Rupinder Pal Singh (40′)
Akashdeep Singh (56′)