India eye on final as they take on Malaysia in last league tie

The loss to New Zealand complicating matters for them, an inconsistent India will take on Malaysia in a do-or-die battle to secure a final berth in their final league fixture of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Friday.

India, who have been unimpressive so far except for the 5-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, need to pull off a victory against Malaysia on Friday to ensure their place in the final match of the tournament, which they have won five times and were bronze medalists last year.

World champions Australia have already qualified for the final to be played on Saturday with 15 points from five successive wins.

India have had an edge in past encounters against Malaysia, who will, however, draw inspiration from their 3-2 win over the Asian Games champions during last year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup at the same venue.

In the last meeting between these two teams, India shattered Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games by winning 3-2 in last year’s World League Semifinals at Antwerp (Belgium).

Avenging that loss will be on Malaysia’s mind, although they have faint hopes of qualifying for the final after being held to a draw by Canada two days ago.

The hosts need to defeat India by seven goals to earn a place in the final. A victory over India will enable Malaysia to equal New Zealand’s points tally as well as the goal-difference, but the home team will be ahead in goals scored. Otherwise, they can only aspire for a bronze medal.