KAKAMIGAHARA: Fifteen-year-old Nousheen Naz struck twice as India made a winning start, beating Malaysia 2-1 in a pool A game of the U-18 women's Asia Cup hockey championship here on Saturday.

After a goalless first quarter, India ended the deadlock in the 19th minute off a penalty corner, when Nousheen capitalised on an opportunity during a set-piece to place the ball into the net and give her side a 1-0 lead.

Nousheen struck again in the second quarter. In the 28th minute, she beat Malaysian goalkeeper with a sharp shot to double India's lead to 2-0 before the hooter signalled half-time.

Malaysia looked to recover in the second half and eventually managed to cut India's lead down to one goal in the 41st minute, as Nur Azli breached the Indian post to reduce the margin to 2-1.

The Indian defence kept the opposition from causing further damage in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

India created several scoring opportunities throughout the match and earned a total of 16 penalty corners.

Nousheen was named 'Player of the Match' for her two goals, which proved to be the difference.

With this win, India are currently placed second in Pool A behind Korea. Both teams have three points each but are separated by goal's difference.

India will play Korea in their next pool match on Sunday.