Kakamigahara

Fifteen-year-old Nousheen Naz starred with a brace as India began their campaign in the U-18 Women's Asia Cup hockey tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Malaysia in a Pool A encounter on Saturday.

After a tightly contested opening quarter that ended without a goal, India broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through Nousheen. Capitalising on a penalty-corner opportunity, the young forward found the back of the net to hand her side a deserved lead.

Nousheen struck again just before the interval, producing a clinical finish in the 28th minute to beat the Malaysian goalkeeper and extend India's advantage to 2-0 at halftime.

Malaysia responded strongly after the break and pulled a goal back in the 41st minute when Nur Azli scored to make it 2-1, setting up an intense final phase of the contest.

However, the Indian defence stood firm in the closing quarter, denying Malaysia any further opportunities and preserving the narrow lead until the final whistle.

India dominated large stretches of the match, creating numerous attacking chances and winning as many as 16 penalty corners.

For her match-winning performance, Nousheen was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Following the victory, India moved to second place in Pool A behind South Korea. Both sides are level on three points, with goal difference separating them.

READ MORE: Hazrat Hajar's sacrifice is part of Eid al-Adha's fable

India will next face South Korea in a crucial pool-stage clash on Sunday.