IPOH: India cruised into the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup against world champions Australia by whipping Malaysia here on Friday, shattering New Zealand’s qualifying hopes.

The Indians created a host of goal-scoring opportunities after attacking the home side from the start, resulting in a half-time score of 4-0 and leaving the hosts shell-shocked.

By the end India scored a 6-1 triumph over Malaysia and will play Australia in the decider on Saturday.

Favourites Australia booked a spot in the final by emerging on top of the standings with 18 points from six successive wins, followed by India on 12 points.

Pakistan consigned Japan, who lost all their league matches, to the bottom of the table in the seven-nation competition with a comfortable 4-1 win in their final group match. The win also ensured Pakistan qualified for the fifth place playoff with Canada on Saturday.

The win against Japan is the second for Pakistan in the event as they had only won their first game (3-1) against Canada and lost all the rest.

Pakistan took the lead in the 20th minute through Ali Shan after a lacklustre opening quarter. Four minutes later, Rizwan Ali doubled the advantage for Pakistan.

Japan’s Shota Yanada reduced the deficit by converting a penalty corner in the 48th.

Pakistan however hit back within seconds as Mohammad Arslan Qadir scored his fifth goal of the tournament to put Pakistan 3-1 ahead.

Arslan was on target again three minutes from time to make it 4-1.

Australia have dominated the tournament held in the northern state of Perak by having won all their league games in the lead-up to the final.

The Aussies completed their final round-robin league competition on Friday with a 3-0 victory over Canada.

New Zealand, meanwhile, saw their chances for a repeat final encounter with arch rivals Australia blown away following India’s win.

The Black Sticks will now play Malaysia for the bronze medal.

Last year, New Zealand pulled off a massive upset against Australia. After both teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time, the Black Sticks prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to win the title.

India, however, have struggled for consistency. Except for a 5-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, and beating Malaysia, they lost 1-2 to New Zealand on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2016