India produced a composed and determined performance to defeat Malaysia 3-1 and secure their place in the final.
India continued to control the contest and extended their advantage to 2-0 before goalkeeper Lakra delivered another moment of brilliance. Malaysia were awarded a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute, but Lakra reacted quickly, diving sharply to his left to keep the effort out with a superb glove save.
India immediately turned defence into attack and earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute. Malaysia challenged the decision through a video referral, but the review went in India’s favour and the penalty corner was upheld. Anmol stepped up and made no mistake, unleashing a powerful flick past the goalkeeper to give India a commanding 3-0 lead.
Malaysia refused to surrender and mounted late pressure, earning a series of penalty corners. However, Lakra and the Indian defence stood firm. In the 58th minute, Lakra once again produced an outstanding diving save to deny Malaysia from a well-struck flick.
Malaysia finally found a breakthrough with just 24 seconds remaining. After earning their eighth penalty corner, M. Rahuul converted to give his side a consolation goal.
India, however, remained composed until the final whistle and held on for a convincing 3-1 victory, booking their place in the final.
(Inputs from Hockey India)
