Manpreet stars as India glide past Malaysia 4-1

After struggling in the tournament, the hosts finally find their rhythm in Asia Cup

- Sandip Sikdar

Craig Fulton had to deal with a barrage of questions from the media regarding the open chances missed by India strikers in their 2-2 draw against South Korea on Wednesday.

Trailing for two-thirds of the game, the chief coach had defended the forward line, saying, “It's a team effort. The strikers can’t get the ball themselves. Someone has to give it to them.” Though the South African didn’t name anyone, it is obvious that the midfield was being singled out.

However, just a day later, the same midfield became the team’s most potent force as the hosts defeated Malaysia 4-1 at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium here on Thursday.

Led by former skipper Manpreet Singh, the midfield made sure most of the match was played in the Malaysian half, creating several chances, which were converted, to hand India their first convincing win of the tournament.

Two midfielders - Manpreet (17th) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (38th) - sounded the board along with goals from strikers Sukhjeet Singh (19th) and Shilanand Lakra (24th) after Malaysian Shafiq Hassan (2nd) opened the scoring.