<p>India defeated hosts Malaysia 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the eighth women's Asia Cup hockey tournament here today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Poonam Rani (39th) and Lily Chanu (46th) scored two second half goals at the Stadium Hoki Nasional to seal India's place in the last-four stage of the eight-nation tournament.<br /><br />With six points in their kitty, the Indian eves finished their Pool A engagements on second position behind China (nine points).<br /><br />India will now face Pool B toppers Korea in the first semi-final on Thursday, while China will take on Japan in the second last-four match.<br /><br />India has earlier spanked Hong Kong China 13-0 in their tournament opener before going down to defending champions China by a solitary goal in their next game.<br /><br />Knowing well that only a win in the tournament will guarantee them a place in next year's World Cup, the Indian eves started cautiously against Malaysia, who were backed by a vociferous home crowd.<br /><br />The Indians looked far from promising in the first half as the Rani Rampal-led forwardline failed to breach the Malaysian defence.<br /><br />Both the teams created a few chances but they failed to break the deadlock in the first half.<br /><br />After the change of ends, the Indians came out with more purpose and took the lead in the 39th minute through a field goal from Poonam Rani.<br /><br />Poonam's goal raised India's confidence and they went for relentless attacks, which resulted in doubling their lead soon.<br /><br />Lily Chanu made the scoreline 2-0 in favour of India in the 46th minute through another field strike.<br /><br />Thereafter, the Indians played sensibly and denied Malaysia any opening to make a comeback into the match.</p>
<p>India defeated hosts Malaysia 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the eighth women's Asia Cup hockey tournament here today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Poonam Rani (39th) and Lily Chanu (46th) scored two second half goals at the Stadium Hoki Nasional to seal India's place in the last-four stage of the eight-nation tournament.<br /><br />With six points in their kitty, the Indian eves finished their Pool A engagements on second position behind China (nine points).<br /><br />India will now face Pool B toppers Korea in the first semi-final on Thursday, while China will take on Japan in the second last-four match.<br /><br />India has earlier spanked Hong Kong China 13-0 in their tournament opener before going down to defending champions China by a solitary goal in their next game.<br /><br />Knowing well that only a win in the tournament will guarantee them a place in next year's World Cup, the Indian eves started cautiously against Malaysia, who were backed by a vociferous home crowd.<br /><br />The Indians looked far from promising in the first half as the Rani Rampal-led forwardline failed to breach the Malaysian defence.<br /><br />Both the teams created a few chances but they failed to break the deadlock in the first half.<br /><br />After the change of ends, the Indians came out with more purpose and took the lead in the 39th minute through a field goal from Poonam Rani.<br /><br />Poonam's goal raised India's confidence and they went for relentless attacks, which resulted in doubling their lead soon.<br /><br />Lily Chanu made the scoreline 2-0 in favour of India in the 46th minute through another field strike.<br /><br />Thereafter, the Indians played sensibly and denied Malaysia any opening to make a comeback into the match.</p>