IPOH, Malaysia: New Zealand on Thursday booked their first everappearance in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with acrushing 4-1 win over hosts Malaysia, while India defeated rivalsPakistan 2-1. The Kiwis had the game all but sewn up by half-time, racing to a3-0 lead thanks to goals from Ryan Archibald, Shea McAleese andNick Wilson. The Malaysians pulled a goal back through Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi inthe 45th minute to give them a glimmer of hope but the match waseventually put beyond their reach with a Shay Neal goal to make it4-1. Malaysia's defeat mean they cannot qualify for the final as theyare four points behind second place Argentina who they meet in thefinal round. The South Americans will be vying to add to their nine points tosecure the right to play New Zealand, who have previously nevermade it further than third place, in the tournament which is animportant warm-up for the London Olympics. Former champions India defeated Asian Games winners and arch-rivalsPakistan 2-1 but their chances to reach the final have virtuallygone with only one more day of preliminary round matches onSaturday. India's win over Pakistan was their 50th in 152 meetings and was amorale booster with Pakistan, last year's runners-up, facing theirworst performance ever in the cup as they have fallen to the bottomof the table. Pakistan team manager Akhtar Rasool said it was not his side's day. "India was fortunate to score in the final minute, and it was amomentary lapse in concentration that cost us dearly," he said. "We have always maintained that we are here to learn and correctour mistakes ahead of the Olympics... We just have to be patient." There was no fancy play by either side in the match played under asteady drizzle. Sandeep Singh gave India the lead when they wereawarded a penalty corner in the 31st minute. Pakistan dominated the start of second half but their finishing waswoefully off for the most part until they equalised in the 61stminute when Sohail Abbas sent a low drag flick into the goal. But just as the match was heading for a draw, Sunil Sowmarpetscored in the 69th minute, giving India a crucial win. "We deserve the win based on our performance and discipline indefence," Indian coach Michael Nobbs said. "The timely tackles andtactical discipline helped us through this match." Earlier, favourites Britain were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea. South Korea opened the scoring through Yoon Sung-Hoon. But a goalby Jonty Clarke in the 50th minute followed. Britain have eight points, and they play Pakistan on Saturday,while South Korea with five points will meet New Zealand ahead ofthe final on Sunday. India have nine points and have no more fixtures. - AFP/de. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as Aluminium Bottle Caps , Lip Balm Containers for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Aluminum Screw Caps.
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