Young striker Raj Kumar Pal scored a hat-trick as defending champions India secured a semifinal berth with an 8-1 thrashing of Malaysia, marking their third consecutive win in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
In addition to Raj Kumar (3rd, 25th, and 33rd minutes), goals were scored by Araijeet Singh Hundal (6th and 39th minutes), Jugraj Singh (7th minute), captain Harmanpreet Singh (22nd minute), and Uttam Singh (40th minute).
For Malaysia, Akhimullah Anuar scored their only goal in the 34th minute.
India currently lead the standings with nine points from three victories.
Young striker Raj Kumar Pal netted a hat-trick as defending champions India clinched a semifinal spot with an 8-1 victory over Malaysia in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy on Wednesday, marking their third consecutive win in the tournament.
In addition to Raj Kumar’s goals (3rd, 25th, and 33rd minutes), the scoring for India was rounded out by Araijeet Singh Hundal (6th and 39th minutes), Jugraj Singh (7th minute), captain Harmanpreet Singh (22nd minute), and Uttam Singh (40th minute).
For Malaysia, Akhimullah Anuar scored their only goal in the 34th minute.
India currently lead the standings with nine points from three wins. The six-team tournament is being played in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals on September 16, followed by the final on September 17.
Earlier in the tournament, India defeated hosts China 3-0 in their opener and Japan 5-1. They will next face Korea on Thursday before concluding their group stage against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday.
In their previous encounter with Malaysia, which was the final of the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, India made a dramatic comeback from a 1-3 halftime deficit to win 4-3.
The Indian strikers continued their impressive form in this tournament, scoring five field goals and three penalty corners, with conversions by Jugraj, Harmanpreet, and Uttam.
Against Malaysia, India dominated from the start, with Raj Kumar quickly taking the lead with a solo goal. Araijeet and Jugraj followed with additional goals, giving India a 3-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Despite Malaysia’s aggressive approach in the second quarter, the Indian defense held strong. India extended their lead with a penalty corner goal from Harmanpreet and Raj Kumar’s second goal, leaving India ahead 5-0 at halftime.
Raj Kumar completed his hat-trick early in the second half, and though Malaysia managed to score through Anuar, India continued their offensive with further goals from Araijeet and Uttam.
In the day’s other match, Pakistan defeated Japan 2-1, enhancing their chances of reaching the semifinals.
