PTI
SINGAPORE
Indian eves continued their impressive performance by registering an emphatic 2-0 victory over Malaysia in their third pool match of the 4th Women's Asian Champions Trophy on Tuesday. With this win, India remained at the top of the pool table with seven points above Korea, China, Japan and Malaysia.
Playing the first game of the day, India were under pressure to stay in contention for the knockout and they did not disappoint. Any hopes of Malaysia taking the lead was undone in the first seven minutes as Poonam Rani scored a well-executed field goal to give India the lead. Having got off to a strong start, Indian eves defended well throughout the game, not allowing the Malaysians too many forays into their D and constantly keeping them at bay. In fact, right till the end, the Malaysian team was denied an opportunity to seek penalty corner.
Though the opponents took desperate attempts at field goals, they were palmed away rather brilliantly by the Indian custodian Rajani to help maintain the team's lead. The Indian eves continued to put up an inspired show as they came back stronger after the halftime, when Deepika converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute.
Until then India had three failed attempted at converting penalty corners despite trying different variations. However, Deepika's experience and presence of mind enabled the team take a 2-0 lead over a hapless Malaysian side. With this goal, Deepika became the highest goal scorer in the tournament. The final quarter saw India hold their nerves, play tactfully and deny any room to Malaysian eves to come back into the game.
India will next take on China on November 4.
