Malaysia beat Pakistan 3-2 to move closer to Sultan of Johor Cup final
The hosts top the standings with three wins from three matches, with Canada their remaining opponent.
Malaysia maintained their unbeaten Sultan of Johor Cup campaign by defeating Pakistan 3-2 at Johor's Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, putting them on the brink of a place in the final.
Nor Saiful Zaini's side lead the standings after winning all three of their matches so far. They have one fixture left, against Canada. The result followed two Malaysian defeats by Pakistan at the Junior Asia Cup in Inner Mongolia, China.
Goalkeeper Abid Amsyar Hanif denied Pakistan an early advantage, stopping Rana Waleed's penalty stroke after 12 minutes. T. Naaveennash Panicker then put Malaysia ahead in the 28th minute, with Adeel drawing Pakistan level from close range in the 36th.
Pakistan's discipline proved costly late on. Waleed received a red card in the 51st minute for hitting a Malaysian player's forehead with his stick. Mustafa Ghulam was shown a yellow card three minutes later.
Malaysia capitalised through Safwan Salihe in the 55th minute and Naaveennash, whose winner came two minutes later. A yellow card for Haider Asam in the 58th minute left Pakistan finishing with eight players. Malaysia scored from none of their eight penalty corners.
