s2h team
Sanjay led India took lead thrice only to see the tenacious Malaysia equalizing. Getting stroke after hardworking Abhishek was stick checked inside the circle, Captain Sanjay converted it to get India its lead fourth time. Malaysia intensified the attack, but of no avail, as the Indian goalie Pawan came out with some astonishing, unorthodox saves. Malaysian coach Sarjit Singh pulled out the goalie in the last four minutes for power play, and it was in this spell, India showed utmost tenacity to survive which included a last second penalty corner.
With two wins in three matches India now pipped Malaysia by a rung to be on third in the table.
India had as many as 23 circle penetrations compared to a mere three by their rivals at the half-time. India, of course, led 2-1 at that time but could have been more had Sukhjeet and Dilipreet would be less athletic, harried than accurate. Sukheet certainly made amends when in 21st minutes he turned ina close rebound to give India the 2-1 lead but was found wandering often.
Both teams went for early video referrals, the Malaysia got one result in its favour and lost the referral on second time.
Veteran Faizal Saari converted team’s second penalty corner to level India. His grounder was well anticipated by the INdian goalie Pawan, but the ball bounced and hit his helmet before falling into the net. In the fifth India earned first of its two penalty corners it earned in the first half, but Jugjeet’s drag was cleared by the first rusher.
Captain Sanjay took the third penalty corner that India earned early in the third half, only to see it deflected well by the first rusher.
Selvam Karthi (7’), Sukhjeet Singh (21’), Amit Rohidas (39’) and Sanjay (53’) scored for India, while Faizal Saari (13’), Fitri Saari (36’), and Marhan Jalil (45’) got on the scoresheet for Malaysia.
India started the game on the front foot, forcing the hosts back in their own half as they looked to assert themselves on the opposition. They earned their first opportunity from a Penalty Corner at the foot of the three-minute mark and built a sustained period of pressure that eventually paid off. A neat move from Sukhjeet Singh set up Selvam Karthi (7’) to score a tap-in, helping India take a 1-0 lead. From there on, they largely controlled the tempo of the game until a foul from Yashdeep Siwach resulted in a green card and a Penalty Corner for Malaysia. An unfortunate deflection for the Indian keeper helped Faizal Saari (13’) level the score at 1-1 to end the first quarter.
Determined to regain their advantage, the Indian forwards looked sharp and were attacking in waves as they dictated terms with a well-coordinated high pressing system. They managed to get back in front through a calm finish from Sukhjeet Singh (21’) after a shot from Abhishek came his way. India had a couple more opportunities to increase their advantage, but had to settle for a 2-1 lead at half time.
India earned a Penalty Corner early in the third quarter as they pushed to double their advantage. However, they weren’t able to make the most of their chances. Malaysia had a one man advantage after Jugraj Singh received a green card in the 34th minute, and they made the most of it with Fitri Saari (36’) scoring the equaliser. India responded instantaneously though, with Amit Rohidas (39’) converting from a Penalty Corner, showcasing his composure and experience. India had to dig deep to hold onto their advantage after Selvam Karthi received a yellow card in the 43rd minute, but the hosts equalized right at the end of the third quarter through Captain Marhan Jalil (45’).
With all to play for in the final quarter, India were pushing forward to find the winner while ensuring they held firm at the back. Malaysia were denied an opportunity as Pawan pulled off a sensational save, keeping his team on level terms. India then took the lead for the fourth time in this contest with their captain Sanjay (53’) converting a penalty stroke. Determined to see the game out, India remained resolute to defend a couple of late Penalty Corners from Malaysia to prevail 4-3 in this contest.
India will next play New Zealand on 27th November at 1330 hours IST. All matches of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 are being broadcast live on FanCode.