Harmanpreet’s hat-trick sinks Malaysia as India maintain a perfect unbeaten record in the Asian Champions Trophy

India continued their dominant run in the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy, but not before being pushed by a spirited Malaysian side in a contest that tested their composure and attacking depth. Harmanpreet Singh bagged a hat-trick while Sukhjeet Singh bagged a stunning field goal as the hosts secured a 4-2 victory at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Sunday.The win marked India’s fourth straight win in the tournament, maintaining their unbeaten record and strengthening their position heading into the group stage final against South Korea.India started brightly and took the lead in the third minute through skipper Harmanpreet who converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag. The home side struggled to build on their early lead, but Malaysia gradually found their footing and began to create opportunities.India goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who replaced Suraj Karkera in the second quarter, made two crucial saves from Malaysian penalty corners to maintain the lead. However, Malaysia finally found the equalizer in the 25th minute. Akhimullah Anuar completed a move involving Faiz Jali and Faisal Saari to slot the ball past Pathak to make it 1-1.India had a chance to regain the lead before half-time, Harmanpreet hitting the crossbar from a penalty corner. Mandeep Singh also missed a close-range chance as the teams went into the break.

Harmanpreet, Sukhjeet take over after the break

India came back with more urgency in the third quarter and regained the lead in the 33rd minute. Harmanpreet came forward again from the penalty corner and sent a low drive into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.Malaysia’s task became more difficult when Faiz Jali was shown a 10-minute yellow card in the 38th minute for a challenge on Mandeep. India capitalized on their numerical advantage and increased their lead thanks to a moment of individual brilliance.In the 43rd minute, Sukhjeet collected a pass from Hardik Singh at the top of the circle, moved to his left and sent a powerful rebound into the roof of the net. A stunning finish gave India a two-goal cushion at 3-1 going into the final quarter.

Harmanpreet completes the hat-trick as India hold on

Malaysia tried to fight their way back into the match in the final quarter but India’s defense stood firm. Harmanpreet was briefly sent off for five minutes with a yellow card in the 48th minute, allowing Malaysia to pile the pressure on the visitors.The guests earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute, but did not convert it. India then had another chance to extend their advantage when a Malaysian defender stopped a goal-line leg drag that resulted in a penalty kick.Harmanpreet made no mistake in the 58th minute to complete his hat-trick to put India 4-1 up.Malaysia managed to pull one goal back in the last minute through Shello Silverius, who squeezed his shot under the onrushing Pathak. However, it proved too late to change the result as India closed out a 4-2 victory.