Black Sticks thrash Malaysia for bronze medal
- editor59343
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
The Black Sticks have claimed bronze at the 2025 Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup after thrashing hosts Malaysia in front of a packed stadium with Sam Lane scoring five goals in the 6-1 win.
The tone was set early as New Zealand opened the match with two clinical field goals, both finished by Sam Lane after sharp passing sequences and strong connections through the attacking third.
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Lane’s timing and positioning were superb, giving his side a 2–0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with the Black Sticks continuing to dictate play. Lane came inches away from completing a first-half hat-trick when his penalty corner flick was brilliantly denied by a Malaysian defender on the post.
Moments later, the spotlight shifted to James Hickson, who burst through the midfield on a rapid counter-attack, He carried the ball nearly 60 metres before unleashing a powerful reverse-stick shot into the back of the net.
It His first international goal and a statement moment in the bronze medal final. as the side took a 3-0 lead into halftime.
The third quarter belonged entirely to Lane, who delivered one of the standout periods of his international career. He scored three goals in the space of 15 minutes.
A clinical penalty corner finish, a superb field goal at the end of a full-length counter-attack sparked by outstanding penalty corner defence from George Baker, and finally a composed penalty stroke that sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Malaysia responded with a penalty stroke of their own, but the Black Sticks entered the final quarter up 6–1.
With the match under control, the fourth quarter saw no further goals, sealing a memorable 6–1 victory and a well-earned bronze medal for the Vantage Black Sticks.
The win capped an outstanding tournament for Lane, who finished the match with five goals and moved to the top of the tournament goal-scoring chart with nine. With only the final between Belgium and India remaining, Lane sits three goals clear of Belgium’s Tom Boon, positioning him strongly to claim the Top Goal Scorer award.
It was also a special night for two players reaching major milestones. Malachi Buschl brought up his 50th cap and Lane’s five-goal haul lifted him to 51 international goals. An outstanding personal milestone and a reflection of his continued impact on the world stage.
