India overcame a spirited resistance from Malaysia to record its third consecutive win in the 5th Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament for Women at Donghae in Korea on Thursday. With this 3-2 win, India has assured itself a place in the Sunday's gold medal match.
India had earlier defeated Japan (4-1), China (3-1) and today managed to beat Malaysia 3-2. It may be pertinent to mention that in a pre-tournament warm up game, India had beaten Malaysians 6-0.
But today it was a different ball game. Though Malaysians had lost two of its earlier three games but its shocking win over Japan (3-2) yesterday had given an advanced warming to Indians about the level of resistance they may face.
It was penalty corner specialist Gurjit who gave India lead in the 17th minute from the second penalty corner. Though India forced six more penalty corners in the remaining part of the game, it could not add to its penalty corner tally of two goals. Other scorers for India included mercurial Vandana Katariya (32nd minute), who scored two of three goals in the game against China, and Lalremsiami. (40th minute).
Malaysia scored its first goal through a penalty stroke conversion after a forward was brought down in the striking circle. The resultant stroke was converted by Rashid Nuraini in the 36th minute.
Interestingly, Malaysia got there second goal in the 48th minute through a brilliant solo effort by Dann Haris who managed to beat Indian custodian with a rasping "D" top drive. Though India mounted pressure in the last stages of the game to extend the lead but Malaysians played to their game plan and foiled all attempts by their opponents.
After a day's rest, India now plays the hosts Korea in its last round robin league match.
-PTC News
