Ipoh (Malaysia): A splendid goal by young Odia striker Shilanand Lakra followed by four more goals by Gurjant Singh, Sumit Kumar and Ramandeep Singh helped India outplay Malaysia 5-1 on Wednesday to secure a place in the final of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Shilanand had scored his first international goal as India and England played a 1-1 draw to gain their first points in the hockey tournament on Sunday, after India lost to Argentina 2-3 in its first match. In the third match on Tuesday, India lost to Australia 2-4 that had almost moved India out of the race to reach the final of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Malaysia was ready to attack India after a stunning 2-1 win against Olympic Champions Argentina. On Wednesday, Malaysia's front runner Faizal Saari was able to beat three Indian defenders into the circle but could not score.
However, Shilanand was the first one to score a goal fetching India 1-0 lead in the 10th minute.
Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was exceptional in saving many attempts from Malaysian players. Shilanand, Surender Kumar and Sumit Kumar had won the first penalty corner of the match in the second quarter but Amit Rohidas's flick was blocked away.
Malaysia's Faizal Saari, who had missed many opportunities to score early on, was able to equalize with a goal in the 33rd minute.
India's Gurjant Singh scored another goal, to fetch India the much-needed 2-1 lead, in the 42nd minute after Varun Kumar's flick rebounded off the Malaysian goalkeeper.
After India changed gears in the final quarter, Sumit Kumar scored India's third goal in the 48th minute with assistance from Ramandeep Singh followed by two more goals by Ramandeep in the 51st minute and Gurjant in the 57th minute.
India will be playing against Ireland in their last round-robin match on Thursday.