India rallies to beat Malaysia

S. THYAGARAJAN

Twice in the deficit, India gave itself a splendid start in the men’s hockey competition with a 3-2 victory over Malaysia in Pool A on Tuesday. The defining moment of this Pool A contest came when the pint-sized Bharath Chikkara netted the match winner, four minutes before the hooter.

Pulsating phases were aplenty when the teams clashed amidst a festive ambience before a huge gathering. The Indians set the tone generating quick mostly from the left.

Mid-fielder Prabodh Tirkey shaped quite a few supported in the deep by Mahadik. In fact, the first thrill that accentuated the tenor of the contest surfaced when Prabodh produced a stunning cross but a quick try by Rajpal Singh missed the mark by inches.

The Malaysians were not far behind. Energetic and a shade faster, they not only defended well, but carved out a series of moves prompted by veteran Jiwamohan with Razie and Misron as able allies.

But it was the brilliant run by Jalil that paved the way for Malaysia to surge ahead. Trapping the pass on the fringe of the circle, Hanifa darted in and finished with a reverse flick, giving no chance to goal-keeper Chetri.

Under pressure to recover India enhanced the pace and system. Quick substitutions enabled India to maintain the tempo. After an unsuccessful penalty corner, Mahadik brought the equalizer midway through with an impeccable flick from the second penalty corner.

The Malaysians shocked the defenders again. Misron, unmarked in the circle, met a long cross by Razie and capped the effort with a fluent drive to the roof of the net. Fighting again, India leveled after the end of the regulation half-time, Sandeep Singh executing a perfect flick nonplussed goal-keeper Kumar.

There were several anxious moments in the second half. Twice the goal was subjected to heavy attack. Fazal Saari fumbled a glorious chance with only goal keeper before him.

This was India’s first victory against Malaysia in the three meetings so far in the CWG.