Hyderabad: A day after dishing out a disappointing performance, India were an improved side but clearly not an impressive outfit. Riding on two penalty corner conversions by Diwakar Ram, the hosts sailed into the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Malaysia in their second Group A league match in the 6th Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament at the Gachibowli Stadium here on Saturday.

Japan, who troubled India on the first day, thrashed Singapore 9-1 and improved their semifinal chances.

Overcoming initial slackness, India launched an array of attacks on the rival defence in the second part of the first half. But the hosts had to anxiously wait for 27 minutes, before Pramod Kumar deflected a free hit from Ranjeet Singh to breathe life into the disappointed Indian camp.

The goal lifted the Indians and within three minutes Gurwinder Singh Chandi managed to secure a penalty corner. It was an opportune moment for Diwakar Ram to live up to the expectations and lift his team from doldrums. Ram made no mistake as the ball whistled past the Malaysian defence.

India went into the break with a 2-0 cushion but returned to realize that the Malaysians are a charged up unit. Victory was not much in doubt for the Indians but reputation was at stake. The hosts needed a few more goals to demonstrate their dominance.

Four minutes into the second half Malaysia earned their second a penalty corner. In the next two minutes, they got three more PCs and converted the last one through Khairil Anuar Md Isa.

With the lead shrinking, India launched a counter attack and earned a PC after Sunil was dangerously obstructed in the circle in the 42nd minute. The Malaysians knew who would take the PC, but had only watched in awe as Diwakar Ram’s full blooded shot thudded the board.

The hosts will have a rest day on Sunday and will take on a lowly Singapore on Monday.