India vs Malaysia Highlights & Replay, Sultan of Johor Cup 2025: India through to the final

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The stage is set in Johor Bahru for a high-stakes encounter as India take on hosts Malaysia in what remains a di-or-die battle of their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 campaign on October 17, Friday.

After suffering their first defeat of the tournament against Australia (2–4), the Blue Colts missed a golden opportunity to book an early berth in the finals.

But the dream is far from over. Today, victory against Malaysia will seal India’s passage to the title clash to meet the unbeaten Kookaburras.

The three-time Sultan of Johor Cup champions India’s campaign in the 13th edition of the hockey tournament started in spectacular fashion.

They opened with a thrilling 3–2 win over the four-time champions Great Britain, thanks to a captain’s brace from Rohit and a decisive strike from Rajveer.

The momentum continued as the young guns stormed past New Zealand 4–2 in their second match sealing the top spot in the standings.

However, a tense 3–3 draw against arch-rivals Pakistan slowed India’s charge. Despite leading the standings for a while, that draw saw India slip to second place. The recent setback against Australia then tightened the race for the finals, turning today’s clash into a virtual semifinal.

Indian hockey team currently sit second in the points table with 7 points from 4 matches, just behind Australia, who have already secured their place in the final with 10 points.

A win today would take India to 10 points, ensuring a rematch against Australia for the title.But a loss could throw their fate into uncertainty, leaving their qualification hopes hanging on the outcomes of other matches, particularly Great Britain vs New Zealand and Pakistan vs Australia later in the day.

Also Read: Controversy as India-Pakistan shake hands in Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 after boycott in cricket

If India lose and finish tied on points, the tie-breakers, goal difference and goals scored, will come into play. In that case, even a slight slip could cost them a spot in the final.

Meanwhile, for Malaysia, the dream of reaching the finals has already faded. With 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, the hosts have collected just 4 points from 4 matches and sit fifth in the standings.

Even a win on Friday would only take them to 7 points, not enough to overtake India or Australia, or the other fixture’s winners in terms of goal difference and other factors.

Still, with home fans behind them, the Young Tigers will be eager to end their campaign on a high. A victory over a powerhouse like India would certainly improve their position in the standings.

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