Quick-Serve Blog

Ipoh: It was again a first half double strike that enabled India to hold off a fighting Malaysian side 2-1 and enter the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament. It is India’s fourth entry into the Azlan final.
 
First half goals by Shivendra Singh (9th) and Sandeep Singh (10th) put India ahead and they maintained the lead till the last minute before Mohammad Amin Rahim shot home a consolation goal for Malaysia.

With this win, India gathered 12 points from their six matches and set up a title clash against Argentina, who have finished with 14 points, on Sunday.

India, who lost their first two matches, continued with their impressive turnaround in the tournament to register their fourth consecutive victory and make the Azlan Shah final after a gap of 12 years.

India got into lead in the 9th minute when a Sandeep Singh slapshot from outside the Malaysian circle was deflected in by Shivendra Singh.
 
The spirited Indian forwards initiated a few more moves, one of which resulted in two consecutive penalty corners in the 10th minute. The Malaysians warded off the two threats but conceded a penalty stroke off the second short corner.

Sandeep Singh fooled the Malaysian custodian without much trouble to give his team a 2-0 lead.

After the break, Indian strikers showed some agility and created a few opportunities.

They won two more penalty corners, but could not extend their lead because of their poor execution.

The Malaysians stepped on the accelerator in the closing minutes to give some nervy moments for the Indians.

They got a penalty corner a few seconds before the hooter and Mohammad Amin Rahim at last put it past Adrian to score the consolation goal.

STATISTICS

Last 3 Finals India have played in Azlan Shah

(Source: indianhockey.com )