Craig Fulton Wary Of Malaysia Challenge As India Chase Fourth Straight Win

Already assured of a semifinal berth after three consecutive wins, India will face their first real test against a tricky Malaysia in their fourth round-robin match of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Sunday. India may have thrashed Malaysia 5-1 in the recent Asian Games final in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, but Malaysia have traditionally provided the Harmanpreet Singh-led side with stiff competition. India hammered Bangladesh 13-0 in their opener before registering 5-2 and 4-1 wins over China and Japan respectively to seal their place in the semifinals, which will be held in Mohali on November 4.

India chief coach Craig Fulton is well aware of the threat Malaysia pose.

"We defeated them 5-1 in the Asian Games, but Malaysia has always been a tricky opponent for us. I'm just glad we're playing a good team because they will challenge us. We just have to focus on our own game," Fulton said.

After two comfortable outings against Bangladesh and China, India were tested by Japan on Friday.

While the Indians attacked in numbers, they struggled to break down Japan's resolute defence.

In fact, India failed to earn a single penalty corner in the first three quarters, something that will be a concern for Fulton going forward.

The only penalty corner India secured in the match came in the 47th minute, from which skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored to finally break the deadlock.

After an average first three quarters, India came out all guns blazing in the final period, scoring three goals to register their third successive victory.

Forward Abhishek Nain, who played his 150th match for India on Friday, was the standout performer, scoring two fine field goals. However, he will need greater support from his fellow forwards.

India's midfield was marshalled well by vice-captain Hardik Singh, but he will be looking for increased contributions from Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma.

Defender Sanjay also needs to tighten up after conceding a penalty stroke and allowing a few penalty-corner opportunities against Japan.

India were slow out of the blocks against Japan, something they cannot afford against an unpredictable Malaysian side that won silver at the Asian Games.

India rested in-form striker Mandeep Singh, who scored a hat-trick against Bangladesh, on Friday, and he is expected to return to the playing XI on Sunday.

Malaysia, meanwhile, are also unbeaten in the tournament but sit second in the standings behind India on goal difference.

The Malaysians will be eager to avenge their Asian Games final defeat and spring a surprise in front of the home crowd.

In the other matches of the day, South Korea will take on Bangladesh, while Japan will face China.

India Squad

Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak

Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad

Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek Nain, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh

Match Timings
South Korea vs Bangladesh - 2:30 PM
Japan vs China - 4:45 PM
India vs Malaysia - 7:00 PM

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

Spain's Royal Family Welcomes World Cup Champions To Zarzuela Palace