22nd SAS Cup 2013: Championship Match: Australia (3) – Malaysia (2)

The last time Malaysia played in the Championship match of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was in 2009, where they lost to Australia.

In 2013, Malaysia meets Australia again, carrying the entire nation’s hopes on their shoulders, to finally lift the trophy since its inception. Over the twenty two editions of this tournament, Malaysia has only been featured four times in the finals, including this year. Added pressure on Malaysia was the fact that their biggest fan, HRH Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, is unwell and was not able to watch them live in action throughout the past ten days of the tournament.

Australia, ranked number two, wouldn’t be easy opponents to the world number thirteen but Malaysia scored within the first five minutes of the game when Faisal Saari converted a penalty corner. It was an intense game that got the crowd cheering all the way for the home team. However, Australia ended the match in a dramatic fashion with a field goal from Trent Mitton with only four seconds on the clock, in the process, breaking the hearts of millions of Malaysian hockey fans.

Final score was Australia 3, Malaysia 2. View (and buy) high quality photos of this match at Sports Media Group Australia.

Event: Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013: Championship Match: Australia (3) – Malaysia (2)
Venue: Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh
Date: 17th March, 2013
Time: 8.35pm

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