NEW Zealand beat Malaysia 3-2 in the first Azlan Shah Cup warm-up match at the Bukit Serindit Stadium in Malacca yesterday.
The Kiwis are the defending champions, and Malaysia will play another friendly with them today before heading for Ipoh for the tournament proper starting on Saturday.
The other teams in the Azlan Shah Cup are India, Pakistan, South Korea and Australia.
Malaysian coach Paul Revington has selected 16 players, with two to be named after the Kiwi friendlies.
New Zealand took the lead off an Andy Hayward penalty corner in the 21st minute, but there minutes later Faizal Saaro scores a field goal to draw level.
Howard again score a penalty corner goal in the 33rd minute for a 2-1 lead going into the breather.
And right after the hooter, Malaysia went on the offensive and this time Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin drew the hosts level in the 37th minute.
However, Shay Neal scored the winner in the 65th minute.