KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia fell 3-2 to a weakened Australian side in a hockey friendly in Perth on Tuesday.
The world No. 5 hosts, playing without 12 key players currently competing in the Hockey League India, established a 3-1 lead in the first two quarters.
However, Sarjit Singh’s men scored in the fourth quarter to narrow the deficit.
The Speedy Tigers are currently in Perth for five friendly matches to prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers in Egypt from March 1-7.
This was world No. 13 Malaysia’s third match of the tour.
They were beaten 4-0 by Thunderstick Club on Jan 16 but bounced back to beat the same club 9-2 the following day.
Malaysia will face Thunderstick again on Thursday and conclude the tour against Australia on Jan 24.
For the World Cup Qualifiers, Malaysia are in Group B with Pakistan, China, and Austria.
Group A consists of England, South Korea, the United States, and Egypt.
Only the top three teams in Egypt will qualify for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from Aug 14-30.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
