Indian women team defeats Malaysia by 3-2; rode to finals of Asian Champions Trophy
Donghae City, May 18: Defending champions India on Thursday outclassed Malaysia by 3-2 to enter into the finals of the women's Asian Champions Trophy. Notably, with this win Indian team remained unbeaten in the Asian Champions Trophy with three victories from as many games.
From Indian side Gurjit Kaur, Vandana Katariya and Lalremsiami struck one goal each to lead their team to register a victory against Malaysia. On the other side, Nuraini Rashid and Hanis Onn scored one each goal for Malaysia.
Indian players started the match with high confidence and converted the penalty corner into a goal in a very first minute of the first quarter. Went on the back foot, Malaysian players immediately came into counter trying to convert penalty corner but were thwarted by the Indian defenders.
The second quarter remained a bit quiet from the Malaysian side. After a halftime, India came back with fresh variations to score as Vandana dispossessed Malaysian attacker inside India's striking circle to score in the 33rd minute. Soon after, India conceded a penalty stroke to Malaysia and Nuraini took full advantage in converting the penalty stroke.
In the 40th minute of the match, Indian team took a lead of 3-1 after skipper Sunita Lakra gave an outstanding pass to forward Lalremsiami who displayed a perfect one-touch hockey and scored a winning goal of the match.
In the previous matches, India defeated Japan 4-1 and China 3-1 and qualified for the final with a match in hand in their pool. India is sitting on top position in the standings of Asian Champions Trophy and will next take on hosts Korea in their final pool match on Saturday before Sunday's final.