Jalandhar, Nov 3:
India captain Harmanpreet Singh produced a commanding performance, scoring a hat-trick to guide the defending champions to a 4-2 victory over Malaysia in the Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday. The win marked India’s fourth consecutive success in the tournament and extended their unbeaten run at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.
India made an aggressive start, with Harmanpreet opening the scoring in the third minute through a penalty corner. His trademark drag-flick gave the hosts an early advantage, but Malaysia responded with greater intensity in the second quarter. Akhimullah Anuar converted a penalty corner in the 25th minute to bring the visitors level at 1-1 before half-time.
The Indian skipper restored the lead in the 33rd minute, once again converting a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick. India gradually took control of the contest, using their numerical advantage after Malaysia’s Faiz Jali received a yellow card in the third quarter. Sukhjeet Singh extended the lead to 3-1 in the 43rd minute with a fine reverse-hit finish following a pass from Hardik Singh.
Malaysia attempted to fight back in the final quarter, but India’s defence held firm. Harmanpreet completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute by converting a penalty stroke after the ball struck a Malaysian defender’s foot on the goal-line. Shello Silverius scored a late consolation goal for Malaysia in the final minute, but it was not enough to prevent India from securing a 4-2 victory.
The result confirmed India’s place in the semi-finals and maintained their position at the top of the standings with 12 points from four matches. Malaysia, who had also won their opening three fixtures, suffered their first defeat of the competition but remained in contention for the knockout stage. Harmanpreet was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.
India will face South Korea in their final league-stage fixture on November 2 before the tournament moves to Mohali for the knockout rounds. With four wins from four matches, the defending champions will look to carry their momentum into the semi-finals as they pursue another Asian Champions Trophy title on home soil.