Harmanpreet Singh
JALANDHAR: India registered a 4-2 victory over Malaysia in an engaging contest in the penultimate league match at the Asian Champions Trophy here on Sunday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with a hat-trick. The contest turned into a penalty-corner battle, with Malaysia piling on the pressure and earning three. However, Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak stood tall in the post. However, the Malaysian pressure eventually paid off. Akhimullah Anuar found a way through India’s defensive line to level the score in the 26th minute.
India made a confident start against Malaysia and took the lead in the third minute with Harmanpreet’s powerful drag-flick finding the net. India had chances to swell the lead, but failed to convert. The hosts displayed impressive composure and control, moving the ball around with precision and using their passing game to dictate the tempo. Up front, India had to do without in-form striker Abhishek, who picked up an injury during warm-ups. With two minutes to go, India found the fourth goal with Harmanpreet completing his hat-trick by converting a penalty stroke. A minute later, Shello Silverius added a consolation goal for Malaysia.