KUALA LUMPUR: The Young Tigresses were outclassed 5-0 by defending champions India in a women's Junior Asia Cup (JAC) Group A match in Muscat on Monday.
Ranked 17th in the world junior rankings, Malaysia had opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Thailand on Saturday.
However, Monday's clash saw Lailin Abu Hassan's girls struggle to keep pace as India launched an onslaught from the first whistle.
India's star performer Deepika netted a hat-trick with goals in the 37th, 39th and 48th minutes.
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (32nd) and Siwach Kanika (38th) also found the back of the net.
Malaysia failed to register a single penalty corner, while India, who routed Bangladesh 13-1 in their opener, converted three of their eight penalty corners.
Coach Lailin said his team had defended well in the opening two quarters but lost their composure in the third.
"Unfortunately, we were punished for lapses in concentration in the third quarter. Defensive errors allowed India to score some easy goals," said Lailin.
The coach remains hopeful of a rebound against Bangladesh on Wednesday, a must-win match to keep alive Malaysia's hopes of a top-five finish and qualification for next year's Junior World Cup.
"We'll aim to bounce back tomorrow. Beating Bangladesh is crucial," Lailin added.
Malaysia conclude their group stage campaign against China on Thursday.
Meanwhile, in a Group B match, South Korea outplayed Taiwan 7-2.