Kuala Lumpur, June 17 (IANS): Indian women secured a 6-0 whitewash over Malaysia after beating them 5-2 in the final hockey match of their tour to the south east Asian country here Tuesday.
India displayed high level of hockey with the first goal coming from the stick of Poonam Rani in the third minute. Sunita Lakra converted a penalty corner (14th minute) to make it 2-0.
However, Malaysia reduced the margin with a 21st minute field goal.
But Anuradha put the ball in the net (28th) closely followed by Ritushah Arya's back-to-back field goals (34th, 35th) to give the visitors a huge lead of 5-1 at halftime.
Malaysia scored their second goal in the 55th minute. The hosts created a few opportunities in the dying minutes of the match but the Indian defence prevented them from doing any further damage.
“We have outperformed and swept the board against Malaysia. I am extremely elated with the manner my team has performed all the way through -- confident and consistent. The cleansweep has lifted our spirits to a new high. I am delighted we lived up to the expectations of our coaches, selectors and the people of our country," India captain Ritu Rani said.
Hockey India (HI) secretary general Narinder Batra congratulated the team on their grand finish.
“A magnificent performance by our women’s team has made us proud and lived up to the expectations. On behalf of HI, I would like to congratulate the team and the coaches on their splendid performance and a spectacular 6-0 finish in the tournament," said Batra.
The series was part of the team's preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"With the kind of momentum the team has generated, we are certain that this is a good step forward in preparation for the Commonwealth Games."
Result:
India 5 (Poonam Rani, Sunita Lakra, Anuradha, Ritushah Arya 2) beat Malaysia 2.