Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Harmanpreet hat-trick sinks Malaysia 4-2 as Speedy Tigers face Japan tonight
India beat Malaysia 4-2 in Jalandhar to stay top of the Asian Champions Trophy. The already-qualified Speedy Tigers play Japan tonight at 7.15pm to settle their semi-final slot.
Malaysia's unbeaten run at the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy ended on Sunday night as hosts India won 4-2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick. The defeat does not affect Malaysia's place in the semi-finals, but tonight's final round-robin match against Japan will decide where they finish and who they meet in Mohali on Wednesday.
How India won the top-of-the-table clash
Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Akhimullah Anuar Esook equalised for Malaysia from a penalty corner in the 25th minute, and the sides went into half-time level.
India pulled away after the break. Harmanpreet struck again in the 33rd minute, and Sukhjeet Singh made it 3-1 in the 43rd. Harmanpreet completed his hat-trick from a penalty stroke in the 58th minute. Shello Silverius pulled one back for the Speedy Tigers in the final minute.
It was Malaysia's first defeat of the tournament after wins over China, South Korea and Bangladesh. Malaysia have not beaten India since the 2018 Asian Games semi-final, and they also lost to them 5-1 in last month's Asian Games final in Aichi-Nagoya.
Standings before the final round
After four matches each:
- India 12 points
- Malaysia 9
- Japan 7
- South Korea 6
- China 1
- Bangladesh 0
Malaysia are already sure of a top-four finish and a semi-final place, as China and Bangladesh can no longer catch them.
What is at stake against Japan tonight (Malaysia time)
The final round of pool matches is today, Monday 2 November:
- China v Bangladesh: 5.00pm
- Japan v Malaysia: 7.15pm
- India v South Korea: 9.30pm
A win or a draw guarantees Malaysia at least second place, because Japan would then be stuck on eight points or fewer and South Korea can reach no more than nine. A defeat would let Japan overtake Malaysia, with South Korea also able to draw level on nine. If Malaysia win and India lose to South Korea, Brendan Carolan's side would level India on 12 points, and the tie-breakers would decide first place.
Semi-final format and schedule
The knockout stage moves to the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. On Wednesday 4 November, the first-placed team plays the fourth-placed team at 7.00pm Malaysia time, and second plays third at 9.30pm. The bronze-medal match and the final are on Thursday 5 November at 7.00pm and 9.30pm Malaysia time.
If Malaysia finish second, they will meet the third-placed team. That could be Japan again, the day after the rest day.
Key takeaways
- India beat Malaysia 4-2 with a Harmanpreet Singh hat-trick.
- Akhimullah Anuar Esook and Shello Silverius scored for Malaysia.
- Malaysia (9 points) are already through to the semi-finals.
- Japan v Malaysia tonight at 7.15pm decides Malaysia's final position.
FAQ
What was the score in Malaysia vs India at the Asian Champions Trophy 2026? India won 4-2 in Jalandhar on 1 November, with Harmanpreet Singh scoring three goals.
Have Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals? Yes. With nine points, Malaysia are guaranteed a top-four finish.
When are the Asian Champions Trophy semi-finals? Wednesday 4 November in Mohali, at 7.00pm and 9.30pm Malaysia time. The final is on Thursday 5 November at 9.30pm.
Sources: Bernama, The Star, Hockey India, Sunday Guardian