New Delhi:
India beat Malaysia in the four nation hockey tournament being played at Melbourne on Thursday. India had lost their opening game 3-2 against hosts Australia on Wednesday.
The win gave India its first points of the tournament.
India dominated possession in the first quarter, but struggled to find the net. They were rewarded in the 24th minute when Nikkin Thimmaiah powerful hit from the edge of the circle gave them the lead. Malaysia played some attacking hockey for an equalizer in the remainder of the quarter, but it remained 1-0 at half time.
Malaysia equalized in the 39th minute with Faizal Saari converting a penalty corner. But Rupinder Pal Singh scored from a penalty corner in the very next minute to give India the lead again.
Rupinder Pal Siingh is looking in fine goal scoring form after he netted two past Australia in India's 2-3 loss against Australia. Shahril Saabah equalized for Malaysia through another PC in 47th minute.
India kept pushing forward and Nikkin Thimmaiah doubled his tally in the 55th to make it 3-2. Akashdeep scored a minute later to cap off an impressive win that got India off the mark in the tournament.
