Traditionally Malaysia has been a tough customer for India. It was more so in the context of Asia Cup, which commenced in the early 80s to arrest the decline of Asian hockey.
The numbers prove the point.
India and Malaysia have met six times in the annals of Asia Cup barring the running one.
The split up is like this
Both met in
Pools: Thrice
Semifinals: Twice
Bronze Match: Once
India has all win record though one match in 1999 Hiroshima Asia Cup was tied 1-1.
Otherwise it has been touch and go affair for India though on record it has won five matches till Dhaka.
POOL: It was 2-0 in the pool in 1982, a goal more in 1985
SEMIFINALS: The duo met in the semis of Hiroshima Asia Cup with India winning 3-2.
They again met in the Semis in the last Asia Cup at home in Malaysia, which India won 2-0.
BRONZE: Only time they met for medal match was in Kuala Lumpur in 1999 where too India walked away with victory with a 4-2 win.
The above number showcase how close their contests have been.
India’s Dhaka performance on Thursday in their second Super 4s match gains huge importance.
Its first time in Asia Cup, Malaysia conceded more than four goals.
Again, first time India posted 4-goal margin win over Malaysia otherwise its 1985 was the biggest till Dhaka
On Malaysia’s favour, its third time it struck two goals against India, including Dhaka.
India’s fluent victory over Malaysia recorded the other day compares in terms of quality and significance to India’s 7-2 win over Korea in the 2007 finals