For a team with a disproportionate share of victories in its face-offs, India has never been very comfortable against Malaysia. On Sunday, the host would be hoping to do better than the draw it managed the last time the two met but it won’t be easy.
Craig Fulton’s men have had contrasting outings in the two games they have played so far at the Asian Champions Trophy, struggling to score against Japan despite being the superior and dominant side. Malaysia, on the other hand, has come out all guns blazing with most of the key players — some of them like Faizal Saari returning to national duty after a long gap — drawing on their vast experience to go top of the table with full points. It is this experience and momentum that Fulton would be hoping to break.
