MALAYSIA came back from behind twice to sensationally overpower Pakistan 3-2 in the round robin of the Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh Wednesday.
Even though Malaysia were dealt two early blows, they still went on to beat Pakistan through sheer grit.
Their next match Thursday is against world No. 6 India. A win here will almost certainly assure them a place in the final.
Umar Bhutta scored a first-minute goal, and just as Malaysia began to claw back into the game, Faizal Shaari took a nasty knock on his mouth and with blood oozing out, left the pitch for medical treatment and was out for a good 10 minutes.
But the national players found the much-needed early equaliser off their first penalty corner in the 10th minute. This time, Razie Rahim made sure with a low flick for his first goal of the tournament.
But Pakistan re-took the lead off another soft goal when Muhammad Yaqoob tapped in from close range in the 19th minute.
Shahril Saabah injected fight into the match with a sly tap in from close range in the 25th minute.
Fitri Shaari made it 3-2 when he scored a penalty stroke in the 34th minute. The stroke was awarded when Pakistan goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas slammed his pads into Haziq Samsul's stomach.
Haziq was stretchered out, but Malaysia held on to win and keep their hopes of playing in the final alive.