Kumar here, Kumar there, Kumar everywhere..

Hockey Australia media release
 
When the rain came down and delayed the second match on day three of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia it looked like the Gods were on Australia’s side. The rain saw the humidity drop dramatically and also the overall temperature, which would make their game against the host nation Malaysia a little easier.
   Malaysia and Australia were the only two unbeaten teams in the tournament, and with all the other results going their way; the loser was still guaranteed to be three points ahead of the third placed team.
   Australia started the game positively and mounted wave after wave of attacks, but coach Paul Revington has instilled more discipline into the Malaysian’s and they defended valiantly.
   Craig Boyne should have opened the scoring when an aerial pass put him one-on-one with Kumar the Malaysian goalkeeper, but he pushed his effort wide. Daniel Mirecki shot into the side netting with the goal at his mercy in the opening stanza, and knew he should have done better.
   Australia forced three penalty corners in the first half and although well executed they simply could not beat Kumar in the Malaysian goal. He denied Mitton a surefire goal when the ball struck him on the helmet. He was in inspired form.
   Andrew Charter too pulled off a few crucial saves for Australia when Malaysia did manage to create space to shoot.
   In the last minute Razie took his eye of the ball in the Malaysian defence and Trent Mitton pounced. He drove into the circle drew Kumar as he shaped to square to Josh Miller and then lifted an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
   When they came out for the second half Australia carried on where they left, unfortunately for them so too did Kumar. Australia forced a further six penalty corners and no matter which play they tried Kumar was there to deny them. He pulled of outstanding saves to deny Glenn Simpson twice, Chris Bauser and Daniel Mirecki. There was simply no way past him.
   Just when it looked like Australia would have to settle for a 1-0 victory Malaysia broke out of defence and forced a penalty corner of their own with less than a minute on the clock. The first runner charged the initial drag flick down, but the ball rolled to Faizal Saari – who played under Ric Charlesworth in the HIL for Mumbai Magicians – who crashed an unstoppable shot high into the net.  Thirty seconds later the siren sounded.
    Australia created numerous chances, and as frustrating as it will be that they failed to convert them, they met a goalkeeper in inspired form. The team was disappointed with the draw and the manner in which they had dropped two points, but they remain top of the ladder with Malaysia on seven points with a superior goal difference.
   Australia’s next game is on Thursday 14th March at 4.05pm local time against Korea. A win will guarantee them a place in Sunday’s final and the chance to win a 7th title.

Australia 1 drew Malaysia 1
Goals: Australia - Mitton (34 FG)
Goals: Malaysia - F. Saari (70 PC)