KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team wrapped up their preparation at home for the Commonwealth Games with a 3-0 win over New Zealand in the second friendly match at the Tun Razak Stadium here yesterday.
On Monday, both teams played to a 2-2 draw in a rain hit match. The weather was good yesterday and it allowed for some free flowing hockey.
Two players who are not in the squad for the Delhi Games were also given some action. And Kelvinder Singh and Azreen Rizal played well and they will be in the selection process for the Guangzhou Asian Games in November.
“No one can take their place in the team for granted. We will still consider those not in the Commonwealth Games squad for the Asiad. Both Kelvinder and Azreen had a good game and I am pleased with their efforts,” said coach Stephen van Huizen.
Malaysia dominated the first-half play yesterday and took the lead in the 34th minute with a field goal by Mohamed Shahrun Nabil.
In the 41st minute, Mohamed Amin Rahim converted a penalty corner with a low flick. Malaysia kept up the attack and were rewarded with a field goal by Izwan Firdaus in the 62nd minute.
“What was pleasing was the consistency in the game. It was a good workout and we should keep up with this kind of performance,” said Stephen.
The Malaysian team will leave for New Delhi today while the Kiwis will do so the next day.
The team will have two more warm-up matches against Canada and South Africa at the Games venue on Oct 1 and 2 respectively ahead of their opening game against India on Oct 5.
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