Malaysia lose to Kiwis, Japan lift Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for first time

Too strong: Malaysian players go down 2-3 to New Zealand to finish fourth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. - RONNIE CHIN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The national hockey team finished fourth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after losing 2-3 to New Zealand on Saturday.

It was full house at the Azlan Shah Stadium as fans came in hordes to witness the Speedy Tigers fight for the bronze medal after failing to enter the final to defend their title.

The Speedy Tigers came knocking first as a wonderful scoop by Faizal Saari from the defensive third gave Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal the chance to tap in a high ball past New Zealand goalkeeper George Enersen in the third minute.

This was Azrai’s eighth goal of the tournament, making him the competition's top scorer.

But the Black Sticks were quick to respond as Scott Cosslett equalised in the fifth minute after he converted a penalty corner.

New Zealand then got the lead through Jonty Elms via a field goal in the 10th minute and extended the lead when Dane Lett converted penalty corner in the 48th minute to make it 3-1.

Fitri Saari scored with 44 seconds left on the clock but it was a tad too late as New Zealand claimed the bronze finish.

In the final, Japan claimed their first-ever Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title after beating Pakistan 4-1 in the penalty shootout. Both sides drew 2-2 after the regulation match.

The Samurai served the first blow when Seren Tanaka scored a field goal in the 12th minute, but Pakistan’s Ajaz Ahmad equalised in the 34th minute from a field goal.

Abdul Rehman then gave Pakistan the lead in the 37th minute. Ten minutes later, Kazumasa Matsumoto found the space to make it 2-2 in the fourth quarter and forced the game into a penalty shootout.

In the end, Japan stood tall to win the shootout 4-1.

Earlier, South Korea defeated Canada 4-1 to finish fifth.