Rajgir (Bihar), Sep 4 (NationPress) The Indian men’s hockey team exhibited remarkable resilience by coming back from a goal down to secure a convincing victory over Malaysia, finishing at 4-1 in their second Super 4s match of the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

On a significant milestone for captain Harmanpreet Singh, who achieved his 250th cap, India found the back of the net thanks to experienced players Manpreet Singh (17’), Sukhjeet Singh (19’), Shilanand Lakra (24’), and Vivek Sagar Prasad (38’). In contrast, Shafiq Hassan (2’) scored the opening goal for Malaysia.

In other matches, Bangladesh triumphed over Kazakhstan with a score of 5-1 in a playoff, while China surprised Korea with a 3-0 victory during their Super 4s encounter, keeping their hopes alive for a top-two finish and a place in the final.

Malaysia initially took control of the match, striking first with their opening attack as Shafiq Hassan (2’) scored. They maintained possession and exerted pressure on the home team.

As the first quarter progressed, India, led by Dilpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, began forming counter-attacks but struggled to equalize. At the end of the first quarter, Malaysia held a 1-0 advantage.

In the early moments of the second quarter, India earned five consecutive penalty corners. After four were blocked, the fifth allowed Manpreet Singh (17’) to capitalize on a rebound and level the score at 1-1.

With momentum shifting towards the 1975 World Cup champions, Sukhjeet Singh (19’) soon put India ahead 2-1. Approaching the half-hour mark, Dilpreet Singh set up Shilanand Lakra (24’), who deftly deflected the ball past the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 3-1. Despite a late surge from Malaysia, India’s defense held firm, leading 3-1 at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Malaysia was awarded a penalty corner, hoping to narrow the gap. However, Krishan Bahadur Pathak made an outstanding save, preserving India’s lead. The hosts continued to push forward, and midway through the quarter, Manpreet assisted Vivek Sagar Prasad (38’), who scored to make it 4-1. Malaysia attempted to fight back with several promising plays in pursuit of their second goal, but India’s defense remained steadfast, closing the quarter with a three-goal advantage.

In the fourth quarter, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team maintained possession and control of the game. Although Malaysia pressed on with attacks, India’s defense, led by Harmanpreet Singh, effectively thwarted their efforts. Ultimately, India secured a comfortable 4-1 victory.

India's next challenge in the Super 4s Pool stage is against China on Saturday.