By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

NEW Zealand notched an easy 3-0 win over Malaysia in their first test match in Palmerston North on the day when the national women’s indoor team won the Asian title at the Indera Mulia Stadium in Ipoh yesterday.
The Kiwis, ranked eight in the world, dominated pro ceedings and opened their account through Simon Child in the 25th minute before Joel Baker added their second, 10 minutes later.
Child scored his second off a field attempt midway in the second half.
The Malaysian team, coached by Tai Beng Hai, were lacking in all areas and had only two chances throughout the match.
Faisal Shaari came the closest too scoring but his penalty corner attempt was cleared off the line by a New Zealand- stick in the opening minutes of the match.
Team manager George Koshy said his charges played well in patches.
“The outcome could have been different if the players were consistent and sharper. This result should serve as a wake- up call for them,” said George via short-messaging-service yesterday.
Malaysia and New Zealand will play their second test match tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Malaysia ‘A’ captured the women’s crown of the Asian Indoor Championships, by edging Kazakhstan 3-2 in Ipoh.
Norhafizah Azman opened accounts for Malaysia in the eight minute before Norizadah Ibrahim added the second, 14 minutes later.
Kazakhstan gave Malaysia some anxious moments and their persistence were rewarded when Natalya Sazonpova found the net in the 24th minute.
However, Norsuhali Sapie ensured the title for Malaysia with a strike in the 37th minute.
In the men’s section, Malaysia ‘A’ were defeated 3-2 by Asian giants Iran.
Iran’s goals were scored by Yaacob Bahrami (first minute), Mehdi Malik Ahmadi (sixth) and Rouhollah Roufi (32nd).
Rodhanizam Radzi and S.Shanker replied for Malaysia in the ninth and 23rd minutes respectively.
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Hashim Yusoff said next year’s edition will double-up as a qualifier for the 2011 Indoor World Cup in Barcelona.
“We are planning to organise it next July in Ipoh,” said Hashim when contacted in Ipoh.