The loss to New Zealand havin complicated matters for them, India take on Malaysia in a do-or-die battle to secure a final berth in their last league fixture of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Friday.
India, who have been unimpressive so far except for a 5-1 win over Pakistan, need to beat Malaysia to ensure their place in the final of the tournament.
World champions Australia have already qualified for the final to be played on Saturday with 15 points from five successive wins.
India have had an edge in past encounters against Malaysia, who will, however, draw inspiration from their 3-2 win over the Asian Games champions during last year’s edition.
In the last meeting between these two teams, India shattered Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games by winning 3-2 in the World League semi-finals at Antwerp, Belgium.
Malaysia they have faint hopes of qualifying for the final after being held to a draw by Canada.
The hosts need to defeat India by seven goals to earn a place in the final. A victory over India will enable Malaysia to equal New Zealand’s points tally as well as the goal difference, but the home team will be ahead in goals scored. Otherwise, they can only aspire for a bronze.
The tussle for second place in the league standings is between India and defending champions New Zealand.
The Black Sticks, after a 2-1 win over India, are second as they have finished their outings with 11 points, while India are on nine points from five matches.
Live on TV India vs Malaysia on STAR Sports 1, 3 @ 6 pm
