MALAYSIA outclassed New Zealand in every department to win 2-0 in the 17th Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.

The national players could have scored at least another three, but the crowd did not mind, as a win against an Olympic side was gratifying.

Malaysia were a bundle of nerves in the opening 10 minutes, and the Kiwis almost ran riot in the semi-circle, taking three shots which went sizzling left, then right, and one that went smack in the middle but was saved brilliantly by goalkeeper S. Kumar.

But once the hosts settled down, New Zealand were forced to defend for long periods before cracking in the 34th minute.

A cross from Amin Rahim found Chua Boon Huat's stick and the ball bounced off Kiwi goalkeeeper Paul Woolford right into Azlan Misron's path.
Chua moved aside, and Azlan slammed in a cracker to hand Malaysia the lead.

The first half saw some stout defending by New Zealand and Malaysia, and both teams went into the dressing room without conceding any penalty corners.

The second half was a sizzler as New Zealand looked for the equaliser but Malaysian defenders Baljit Singh Charun, Jiwa Mohan and Madzli Ikmar held firm.

And just when the Kiwis were looking comfortable inside the Malaysian semi-circle, a 43rd minute counter-attack was initiated from deep in defence by Azlan Misron, who found Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.

Tengku released the ball to S. Selvaraju, and the Perak-born player coolly pushed it in for Malaysia's second goal.

The Kiwis tried their best after that, but Malaysia proved equally tough and held on for a well deserved win. "Malaysia played very well infront of their home crowd. It is always difficult to beat a team which scores first, and then has a strong backing from the gallery," said New Zealand coach Shane McLeod.

National coach Sarjit was unhappy with the first half and said the margin of victory could have been bigger.

"The first half was a little slow but we had ball possession and kept ourselves in the match.

"The second half was almost perfect but for the three chances which we muffed. But that is to be expected, in a highly charged match," said Sarjit.

"Now we must recover from this match and play just as well against the hard-running Argentine side tomorrow (today)."

In an earlier match, India turned on the heat in the second half to beat Canada 3-1.