New Zealand’s men trailed the host nation 2-0 in Ipoh before finishing strongly to claim a 2-2 draw.
Heavy rain and pitch flooding forced the postponement of the tournament’s opening match between South Korea and India, making the Black Sticks’ clash with Malaysia the first game of the annual event.
With large pockets of water still visible on the turf, the conditions forced both sides into a different style of play.
Rather than building through the back, the game turned into an aerial, counter-attacking contest, a style that suited Malaysia early.
Malaysia struck first in the opening quarter with a sharp counter-attack to take a 1-0 lead.
They doubled their advantage in the second quarter through a well-executed penalty corner flick, putting New Zealand under early pressure.
The Black Sticks worked their way back into the game late in the second quarter, and in-form Alpiners forward Sam Lane calmly converted a penalty stroke to pull one back and send New Zealand into halftime with momentum.
As the pitch dried and the surface became more consistent, the Black Sticks found their rhythm in the third quarter, creating more connections and beginning to flow.
The game tightened considerably in the fourth quarter, the Black Sticks coming desperately close to an equaliser when a powerful shot deflected off the Malaysian goalkeeper’s glove and ricocheted off the post.
Chasing the game, the Black Sticks removed goalkeeper George Enersen with three minutes remaining to push an extra outfield player forward.
The tactic paid off almost immediately, New Zealand earning a penalty corner that was denied only by a strong save from the Malaysian goalkeeper.
Moments later, Dylan Thomas produced the moment New Zealand had been searching for, firing a brilliant field goal through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 2–2 with just two minutes to play.
Enersen returned to the field for the final phase as the Black Sticks closed out the match to secure a well-earned opening point.
Starting goalkeeper Leon Hayward marked his 50th appearance for the national squad, and made three outstanding saves that prevented Malaysia from extending their lead, while Nick Lidstone made his test debut.
Otago players Benji Culhane, Malachi Buschl and Finn Ward all started for the Black Sticks, but veteran Kane Russell was scratched before the tournament.
- Allied Media
