NEW DELHI, March 7 ― Malaysia's women hockey team thrashed Kazakhstan 8-0 in their first match of the FIH World League Round 2 played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

The Malaysians were leading 4-0 in the first half and the Kazakhs proved no match for their opponents who were fast in counter-attacks.

Malaysia are in Pool B with Russia, Kazakhstan and Singapore while India, Poland, Ghana and Thailand are in Pool A.

Their next match will be against Russia tomorrow and the final group match is against Singapore on March 10.

Malaysia's national coach Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said it was a good start with three full points.

Although he was pleased with the overall performance of his players, he said the Malaysian forwards needed to be much sharper against Russia.

“Our girls are mentally prepared for the match and hope they will deliver the result tomorrow,” said Mohd Nasihin.

The last encounter between the two teams ended with Malaysia winning 3-1.

The Malaysian team, currently ranking 21st in the women's world hockey, are seeded second among the eight participating teams.

Goal scores: Hanis Nadia Onn (two), six other goals by Siti Noramarina Rohani, Siti Rahmah Othman, Fatin Shafikah Mohd Shukri, Fazilla Silvaster Silin, Nor Baini Hashim and Surizan Awang Man. ― Bernama