Overview
- Gurjot Singh (22') and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48') struck in a 2–1 win over hosts Malaysia, with Naaveenesh Panicker (43') briefly restoring parity.
- The victory sends India into their record eighth Sultan of Johor Cup final in 12 appearances, with Australia awaiting in Saturday’s title match.
- Australia topped the pool after four outings, and India advanced from second to earn the rematch.
- India generated a heavy penalty-corner count, hit the crossbar, and finally broke through on rebounds after early saves by Malaysia’s Haziq Hairul on a rain-affected, late-start pitch.
- Their route to the final followed a 4–2 pool defeat to Australia, who seized control with three third-quarter goals from Oscar Sproule (2), Andrew Patrick and captain Dylan Downey.