India earned a place in Sunday's final for the Azlan Shah trophy after a 2-1 victory over Pakistan in a must-win contest on Saturday. This result brought India to its fifth final in the tournament launched in 1983. India had taken the trophy thrice-the last in 1995-- but finished as runner up last year to Argentina.
By S. Thyagarajan
Malaysia, which drew 1-1 with New Zealand in a thrilling match will be India's final opponent on Sunday. The teams played in the final last in 1985. This is Malaysia's third final in the competition.
In a surprisingly slow contest with few pulsating moments surfacing other than specks of rough play indulged in both teams. The umpires Gareth Greenfield and Deon Nel had to speak to the captains more than once to keep everything under control.
India hoisted the lead close on half-time when Sandeep Singh flicked in a penalty stroke, that resulted after Fareed Ahmed coming in the way of a penalty corner hit by the Indian.
India 1-0 half-time lead was nullified when Saqlain Muhammad deflected a free hit from Ehsan Ullah. But in the 61st minute Sandeep Singh scored the match winner from a penalty corner.
Malaysia and New Zealand were involved in a lively encounter in which the home enjoyed the terriotiral adavantage but goal keeper Kyle Pontifex excelled in his work under the bar, repeatedly frustrating the Malaysian forwards.
After a goal-less first half, Malaysia surged ahead from a tap in by Chua Boon Huat off a cross from Amin, but within minutes New Zealand restored parirty through Nicolas Wilson.
Points table at the end of league matches: India: played 4, won 2, drawn 2, lost nil, goals for 9, goals against 5, Points 8; Malaysia 4-2-1-1-8-7-7; New Zealand 4-1-3-0-7-6-6; Pakistan 4-1-0-3-8-8-3; Egypt 4-0-2-2-4-11-2.
The results: India 2 (Sandeep Singh 2) beat Pakistan 1 (Saqlain) HT 1-0; Malaysia 1( Chua Boon Huat) v New Zealand 1 (Nicholas Wilson) HT 0-0.
Sunday's matches: (3-4); Pakistan v New Zealand (2 p.m. Malaysian time); FINAL; India v Malaysia (4:30 p.m.)
