NEW DELHI: India defeated hosts Malaysia 2-1 in their final group-stage encounter to seal a place in the Sultan of Johor Cup junior men’s hockey final on Friday.

Gurjot Singh (22nd minute) and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48th) converted from penalty corners to guide India into their record eighth final in the tournament’s 12-year history. Naaveenesh Panicker netted Malaysia’s lone goal in the 43rd minute.

Indian U-21 hockey team exchanges pleasantries with Pakistan counterparts during Sultan of Johor Cup

The match, delayed due to rain, began sluggishly as both teams struggled on a wet surface. India initially looked to exploit aerial passes but found little success. Once the pitch settled, the visitors grew into the game, creating several chances and earning nine penalty corners in the first half but converting only one — through Gurjot’s rebound tap-in.

Malaysia equalised midway through the third quarter after India’s defence failed to clear a loose ball, but Kushwaha soon restored the lead, scoring from a rebound after a one-on-one situation with the Malaysian goalkeeper.

India held firm in the closing stages, with their defence and goalkeeper staying composed to repel late Malaysian pressure and seal a hard-fought win.

The victory sets up a title clash against Australia on Saturday.

(With PTI Inputs)