KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigresses gave world No. 6 China a good fight before losing 3-1 in the semi-finals of the women's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, India today.
It was Malaysia's ninth defeat to China since the 2013 Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
China, the Paris Olympic silver medallists, will face the winners of the second semi-final match between defending champions India and Japan in the final tomorrow.
China, who outplayed world No. 24 Malaysia 5-0 in a round-robin match, took the lead off a field goal through Deng Qiuchan in the 10th minute.
They scored off two penalty corners through Fan Yunxia in the 17th minute and Tan Jinzhuang in the 23rd minute for a 3-0 lead.
However, Malaysia fought back and narrowed the deficit with Khairunnisa Ayuni Sharuddin converting a penalty corner in the 36th minute.
China converted two of five penalty corners they earned, while Malaysia had nine penalty corners and scored one.
Nasihin said although they lost to China, his team did their best.
"We missed a few chances. We earned nine penalty corners but only managed to convert one.
"We had more possession and made it difficult for China to attack. Credit to the players for showing they can challenge the top teams.
"We hope to recover well for tomorrow's match. We will go all out to finish on the podium," said Nasihin.
South Korea defeated Thailand 3-0 to finish fifth place.