Malaysia to face Australia in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final

Malaysia qualified for the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a proud unbeaten record after holding India to a 2-2 draw in their final preliminary match at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium, here, today.

With Australia beating closest rival and defending champion New Zealand, Malaysia needed only a draw to advance and coach Paul Revington's boys did just that by coming from behind to hold India in a pulsating match.

Australia also booked a spot in the final after the win and face Malaysia in the final tomorrow.

Malaysia last played Australia in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup back in 2007 but lost 1-3 to the Aussies and have yet to win the cup despite finishing runner-up on three occasions, namely 1985, 2007 and 2009.

Malaysia took the lead in the 6th minute when Faisal Saari nailed a penalty corner but India came back strongly to equalise through Mandeep Singh's 20th minute field goal.

With about 12,000 fans packing the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium to the brim with drums, the Malaysian squad produced a spirited performance in the second half but the Indian side stood firm.

After absorbing much of the pressure from the Malaysian players, Rupinder Pal Singh stunned the 12,000 odd crowd in the 48th minute when his clinically struck penalty corner beat S. Kumar in goal.

However, two minutes before the end, Malaysia earned a hotly disputed penalty and Faisal once again showed his prowess by slotting in the equalizer although the Indian players continued their protest, disputing South Korean umpire Lim Jung Woo's decision to award the penalty corner.

South Korea will play New Zealand for third-fourth position before the final.