Picture Credit: Twitter
After defeating Japan in their first game of the Super 4 stage in the ongoing Asia Cup, Birendra Lakra-led India made a remarkable turnaround against Malaysia as well in their second Super 4 game. After conceding two goals by the half-time and trailing till the mid of the third quarter, India made a comeback to go past Malaysia’s defense in the second half and take a 3-2 lead.
A combined effort from Pawan Rajbhar and SV Sunil in the 54th minute of the play endured India to level the score. Meanwhile, Nilam Sanjeep Xess capitalized on the penalty corner to keep India in the hunt. However, the third goal from Razie Rahim in the 56th minute denied India a win, and the game ended at 3-3.
India were behind for the most part of the match. Although Vishnukanth Singh scored at the start of the third quarter, India continued to lag behind with the Malaysian defense not allowing anything to pass through them. However, SV Sunil scored the equalizer in the 53rd minute with the help of Pawan Rajbhar. India then took a lead as Sanjeep found the back of the net in the 55th minute.
It seemed will walk away with a win, Razie Rahim, the star of Malaysia, completed his hat-trick (the first two goals scored in the 12th and 21st minutes) as he converted a penalty corner to bring back Malaysia in the game. The two teams then fought a neck-to-neck battle till the hooter was blown. With this draw against Malaysia, India keep them in the hunt for the finals.
The Men in Blue stand second in the points table with a goal difference of 1 (5-4). South Korea are leading the chart with a GD of +2. Japan, meanwhile, with two defeats have no chance of making it to the final while Malaysia (GD) 0 (5-5) have an outside chance if they can beat Japan by a comprehensive margin (minimum 2 goals) provided India and South Korea match ends in a draw.