The 2025 Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup began with heavy rain and pitch flooding forcing the postponement of the tournament’s opening match between South Korea and India. That made the Vantage Black Sticks clash with hosts Malaysia the first game of the event.
With large pockets of water still visible on the turf at push-off, the conditions forced both sides into a different style of play. Rather than building through the back, the match turned into an aerial, counter-attacking contest, a style that suited Malaysia early.
Malaysia struck first in the opening quarter with a sharp counter-attack to take a 1–0 lead. They doubled their advantage in the second quarter through a well-executed penalty corner flick, putting New Zealand under early pressure.
The Vantage Black Sticks worked their way back into the match late in the second quarter, and Sam Lane calmly converted a penalty stroke to pull one back and send New Zealand into halftime with momentum.
As the pitch dried and the surface became more consistent, New Zealand found their rhythm in the third quarter, creating more connections and beginning to flow. The match tightened considerably in the fourth quarter, with the Vantage Black Sticks coming desperately close to an equaliser when a powerful shot deflected off the Malaysian goalkeeper’s glove and ricocheted off the post.
Chasing the game, New Zealand removed goalkeeper George Enersen with three minutes remaining to push an extra outfield player forward. The tactic paid off almost immediately, earning a penalty corner that was denied only by a strong save from the Malaysian goalkeeper.
Moments later, Dylan Thomas produced the moment New Zealand had been searching for, firing a brilliant field goal through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 2–2 with just two minutes to play. Enersen returned to the field for the final phase as the Vantage Black Sticks closed out the match to secure a well-earned opening point.
It was a milestone night for Leon Hayward, who celebrated his 50th appearance for New Zealand and played a crucial role with three outstanding saves that prevented Malaysia from extending their lead. The match also marked the international debut of Nick Lidstone, who looked composed and confident throughout, fitting seamlessly into the side.
A gritty performance in tricky conditions gives New Zealand a valuable result to open their Azlan Shah Cup campaign, with momentum to build on for the matches ahead.
