India put up a dominating performance to beat Malaysia 4-1 in the bronze medal play off match on Sunday and finish at third position in the Four Nations Invitational Tournament here.
Shrugging off Saturday's disappointment, India were looking to strike and consolidate early to avoid any pressure from the Malaysians. Birendra lakra picked up the ball near centre field and drove his shot diagonally into the circle. The cross evaded everyone, before falling to Akashdeep Singh lurking at the far post. Akashdeep showed great awareness and superb skill to deflect the ball in and give India the lead.
Despite several circle penetrations, neither team created any real opportunities almost till the end of the 3rd quarter. In the final minute though, VR Raghunath capitalised on a pair of PCs to convert one and extend India's lead.
Malaysia hit back almost from the restart, catching India's defence unaware as Joel van Huizen scored a goal to take them into the final break 1-2.
Soon after though, he again dribbled away from Malaysia's defence to cut back a pass to Talwinder Singh, whose first time chip deflection beat the goalkeeper to give India their third goal of the game. With India in complete control and adamant to not let Malaysia get back into the match, Rupinder Pal Singh netted the ball once again in the 58th minute through a PC.
Eves lose series after 1-3 defeat
The Indian women hockey team ended their Australian tour with a 1-3 defeat in the third and final match as they lost the series 1-2 at the State Netball & Hockey Centre, here on Sunday.
The Indian eves were quick to strike in the second quarter, as Deepika and Rani combined to display some remarkable stick work, allowing Vandana Katariya to get an easy deflection into the goal in the 17th minute.
Australia were back in the hunt again, as they earned two penalty corners and Brooke Peris' 39th minute PC conversion saw the Hockeyroos draw level with India. The hosts earned two more PCs, and Gabi Nance successfully converted one in the 41st minute to give Australia a 2-1 lead going into the final quarter. Goalkeeper Etimarpu was outdone by a firm hit from Jordyn Holzberger that saw Australia increase the deficit to 3-1.