KUALA LUMPUR: Speedy Tigers bounced back twice to beat Paris Olympics-bound New Zealand 3-2 in a friendly in Ipoh today.
The win over the world No. 10 is a huge boost for No. 13 Malaysia ahead of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (SAS Cup), which starts on Saturday.
The Blacks Sticks, who are without six key players, took the lead in the second quarter at the Azlan Shah Stadium, but Shello Silverius equalised off a field goal.
The Kiwis, who won the SAS Cup in 2012 and 2015, regained their lead in the third quarter.
However, forward Faizal Saari levelled the score for Malaysia off a penalty corner.
Forward Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal was the toast of Malaysia by netting the winning goal.
National coach Sarjit Singh praised his players for their fighting spirit.
"The players played a high tempo game, and I am happy with the performance."
Sarjit said his 18-member squad for the SAS Cup will be announced tomorrow.
Defending champions Malaysia will open their campaign against world No. 15 Pakistan in the SAS Cup on Saturday.
The other teams in the fray are South Korea, Japan and Canada.
