Times of India

NEW DELHI, Apr 12: Indian team continued their good show in the Azlan Shah Cup as they beat hosts Malaysia 3-1 in the final to clinch the 18th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday.

The Indian team claimed Azlan Shah Cup after putting an end to their 13-year title drought. Indian team won the coveted title last in 1995 while they finished runners-up in the last edition.

Arjun Halappa drew first blood to put India into lead as early in the 8th minute of the game against Malaysia but the happiness in the Indian camp were short-lived as Azlon Mizron restored parity for Malaysia three minutes later.

The Indian team didn't panic at all after conceding the early lead as they played their heart out and went ahead again through Prabhjot Singh who sounded the board in the 20th minute.

Malaysian players had tried their hard to level the scores again but the formidable Indian defence gave no room to them inside the striking circle. India led 2-1 at the lemon-break.

On changing the ends, Indian team adopted an attacking ploy against the hosts and consolidated their lead after Shivender Singh slotted team's third goal.

Earlier on Saturday, India overcame arch rivals Pakistan 2-1 to meet Malaysia in their sixth final in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

The Malaysians booked their third berth in Sunday's final by drawing 1-1 with New Zealand. In 1985 they lost the final to India and in 2007 to Australia.

The Indians were champions in 1985, 1991 and 1995 while their other final appearances were in 2006 and last year.