Rajkumar Pal scores hat-trick as India beat Malaysia 8-1 in Asian Champions Trophy clash
Riding on Rajkumar Pal's sensational hat-trick, India dominated Malaysia to beat them 8-1 in a one-sided clash of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy in China on Wednesday.
India set a major victory in the third consecutive match with a strong show by Rajkumar Pal (3', 25', 33'), Araijeet Singh Hundal (6', 39') Jugraj Singh (7'), Captain Harmanpreet Singh (22') and Uttam Singh (40') who all added to the goal margin.
This was India's third straight victory in the tournament.
With nine points in three matches, India now stands at the top of the points table.
Akhimullah Anuar (34') reduced the goal difference by scoring the only goal for Malaysia.
India played the game on an aggressive note and did not give Malaysia a chance to bounce back.
Within 22nd minute of the game, India was 4-0 up and Malaysia failed to show any hint to returning to the game.
Expressing delight over India's third consecutive win,Hero of the Match, Arajieet Singh Hundal was quoted as saying by Hockey India website, "We want to go all through in every game, we have to win every game, that is what we plan in team meetings. We are here to win. Personally, the last two games were not up to mark, but I'm really happy that I scored today. I am getting my confidence back day by day, and I will do much better for India in the upcoming games."