Malaysia started aggressively at the Gelora Bung Karno Hockey Stadium and went ahead as early as the 12th minute through a Razie penalty corner. He doubled Malaysia’s lead with another penalty corner goal nine minutes later.

India, the defending champions, however, pulled one back in the 32nd minute via a Vishnukant Singh penalty corner.

Coached by Sardar Singh, India, ranked third in the world, drew level in the 53rd minute with a field goal by SV Sunil.

India then went ahead for the first time after Nilam Sanjeep Xess scored via a penalty corner in the 56th minute, but quickly found themselves tied again when Razie completed his hattrick with another penalty corner.

Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj said his charges showed strong character by not giving up  after going behind.

“It was unfortunate, however, that we made the same mistakes from the third quarter onwards like yesterday’s match. But that is hockey, if the chances you create don’t end up as goals, it can affect team morale,” he said.

Malaysia, who drew 2-2 with South Korea yesterday, now need a win against Japan on Tuesday to book a place in the final.