India has won the prestigious Asia Cup Title for the 3rd time in history after defeating Malaysia by 2-1 in the exciting final played today at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Just like Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli played his 200th ODI against New Zealand, India's hockey captain Manpreet Singh was making his 200th appearance too & made the most of it by helping team to lift Asia Cup Title after 10 long years.
Men in Blue eliminated Pakistan yesterday after a thumping 4-0 win over arch-foes in their final second-round clash here on Saturday while Malaysia played out a 1-1 draw against South Korea to book their spot in the finals.
India, who thrashed Malaysia by 6-2 few days ago, started the proceedings on high & drew the first blood in the 3rd minute after Ramandeep Singh tapped a great ball from SV Sunil into the goal. Malaysian team was using the high press & Indian team made most out of it.
CHAMPIONS! India clinch the coveted #HeroAsiaCup 2017 (Men) crown with a thrilling win over Malaysia on 22nd Oct.#INDvMAS #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/iQde0JKZG3
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 22, 2017
The young Indian defence played well under Malaysian pressure & not allowed the forwards any space to work with and played their way out with composure.
Few minutes into the 2nd quarter & Lalit Upadhyay doubled the lead for India. There was not much action after that & at the half time it was India 2-0 Malaysia.
Malaysia got one back in the fourth quarter after Shaahril Saabah put the ball in from close range & reduced the deficit by 1-2. Malaysia after that put alot of pressure on Indian defence but the players kept themselves calm & finally won the game by 2-1.
Meanwhile, Pakistan took the 3rd spot after crushing South korea by 6-3 in the semis of the Asia Cup 2017.