Harmanpreet's hat-trick sinks Malaysia as India keep perfect ACT unbeaten record

India beat Malaysia 4-2

India continued their dominant run in the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, but not before being pushed by a spirited Malaysia side in a contest that tested their composure and attacking depth.

Harmanpreet Singh rose to the occasion with a hat-trick, while Sukhjeet Singh produced a stunning field goal as the hosts secured a 4-2 victory at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Sunday.The win marked India's fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, keeping their unbeaten record intact and strengthening their position heading into the final group-stage fixture against South Korea.India made a bright start and took the lead in the third minute through captain Harmanpreet, who converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick.

The hosts looked to build on the early advantage, but Malaysia gradually found their footing and began creating opportunities.India goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who replaced Suraj Karkera in the second quarter, made two important saves from Malaysian penalty corners to preserve the lead. However, Malaysia eventually found the equaliser in the 25th minute. Akhimullah Anuar finished off a move involving Faiz Jali and Faisal Saari, poking the ball past Pathak to make it 1-1.

India had opportunities to regain the lead before half-time, with Harmanpreet striking the crossbar from a penalty corner. Mandeep Singh also missed a close-range chance as the teams went into the break level.

Harmanpreet, Sukhjeet take charge after the break

India returned with greater urgency in the third quarter and regained the lead in the 33rd minute. Harmanpreet once again stepped up from a penalty corner, sending a low drag-flick into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.Malaysia's task became tougher when Faiz Jali received a 10-minute yellow card in the 38th minute for a challenge on Mandeep. India capitalised on the numerical advantage and extended their lead through a moment of individual brilliance.In the 43rd minute, Sukhjeet collected a pass from Hardik Singh near the top of the circle, moved towards the left and unleashed a powerful reverse-hit into the roof of the net. The stunning finish gave India a two-goal cushion at 3-1 heading into the final quarter.

Harmanpreet completes hat-trick as India hold on

Malaysia attempted to fight their way back into the contest in the final quarter, but India's defence stood firm. Harmanpreet was briefly sent off with a five-minute yellow card in the 48th minute, allowing Malaysia to put pressure on the hosts.

The visitors earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute but failed to make it count. India then had another chance to extend their advantage when a Malaysian defender stopped a drag-flick with his foot on the goal line, resulting in a penalty stroke.Harmanpreet made no mistake from the spot in the 58th minute, completing his hat-trick and putting India 4-1 ahead.Malaysia managed to pull one goal back in the final minute through Shello Silverius, who squeezed his shot underneath the advancing Pathak. However, it proved too late to change the outcome as India closed out a 4-2 victory.