India stage a sensational comeback to clinch title

For roughly one-third of the Asian Champions Trophy final, the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium was enveloped by an unearthly lull. There were 9,000 fans in the stadium but you wouldn't have known. They had been stunned into silence by Malaysia's brilliant play and with only 16 minutes to go in the match, hosts India were trailing 1-3.

- Sandip Sikdar

For the first time in the 10-day event, the Harmanpreet Singhled outfit were behind by two goals. Malaysia, in their firstever summit clash of the continental tourney, had hustled like mad in the first two quarters of the match, earning five penalty corners, scoring three goals. They had pushed India into a corner and almost everyone in the crowd was waiting to see the home team respond.

Then, in the 45th minute, they witnessed a moment of magic. Sukhjeet Singh made a brilliant run toward the Malaysian goal only to be fouled. Harmanpreet, who had missed a penalty stroke against South Korea, stepped forward yet again. This time, he didn't miss. Even before Malaysia could settle again, Gurjant Singh slammed in another goal. Within 60 seconds, India had drawn level. From this point on, they were clearly in the ascendancy. A few minutes later, Akashdeep Singh scored the fourth goal to help India stage a sensational comeback and beat Malaysia 4-3. This was India's fourth triumph at the event and with it, they also became the most successful team in the event's history.