Rupinder Pal Singh scored two penalty corners, one with two minutes left on the clock, as India battled two quarters of the match with a man down to beat Malaysia 2-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy. With 13 points from five games, India finished at the top of the table and, thereby, booked their spot in the semi-finals.
Deputising for PR Sreejesh, Akash Chikte was a revelation in goal, denying the Malaysians on a number of occasions. India went ahead in the game towards the end of first quarter, via a penalty corner. Rupinder Pal Singh's drack-flick bounced back off the post but the ball came back to him in the circle, and he converted with a thumping flick to the top corner off his second attempt.
A minute into the second quarter, India were down to 10 men but that didn't stop Roelant Oltmans' side from attacking. From a crowded area in the circle, Akashdeep Singh created an excellent opportunity for India to double their lead but the usually reliable Yousuf Affan skied the ball over the crossbar from close range.
Malaysia came back in the game with a penalty corner of their own. Razie Rahim's excellent strike left Chikte no chance. Chitke, though, kept India alive in the contest with a save from point-blank range. From thereon, it was Malaysia who created chances in attack.
Being a man lighter, India's defence was made to sweat in the third and the fourth quarters but they stood firm to thwart every Malaysian opportunity. The hosts got four penalty corners – two were blocked by defenders in front of goal while Chikte once again came to the rescue, this time, flapping the ball away to his left. The last attempt was wasted by Malaysia with the ball not even striking the target.
Malaysia paid for their mistakes as, two minutes from time, Rupinder Pal Singh converted yet another penalty corner, his 10th of the tournament. With a minute left, Malaysia were handed yet another penalty corner, their fifth try. Chikte foiled the shot once again to seal the win.
Brief score:
Malaysia 1 (Razie Rahim) lose to India 2 (Rupinder Pal Singh x 2).
