KUALA LUMPUR: An underperforming national junior hockey squad were lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw against Bangladesh at the Junior Asia Cup in Muscat today (Nov 30).
Malaysia, ranked 11th in the world, started off well at the Hockey Oman Stadium and took the lead as early as the second minute through Danish Danial Abul Wahab in the Group B encounter.
But after taking the lead, I. Vickneswaran's charges lost their momentum and struggled against Bangladesh who are world No. 21.
Bangladesh fought back and despite squandering a penalty stroke were able to score two goals through Amirul Islam (27th) and Mohamed Hasan (36th).
Malaysia, however, managed to equalise in the Khairul Norizan off a penalty corner in the 40th minute.
The result was enough to secure Malaysia a spot in the semi-finals after collecting sevens points from two wins and a draw. The Young Tigers had beaten China 5-2 and Oman 9-1 earlier in the competition.
Malaysia will play their final group match against Pakistan, who are world No. 9, tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in Group A earlier today, Japan, who lost to India 3-2 bounced back to beat South Korea 2-0 to stay on track for a place in the semi-finals.