The match at the Riverside Club had all the ingredients of a classic international encounter, with heavy rain creating difficult conditions, momentum swinging from one side to the other and six goals keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

It was also a memorable occasion for both captains. South African skipper Dayaan Cassiem earned his 99th international cap and will now look forward to a century of appearances in Sunday’s final Test, while Malaysia’s Shello Silverius celebrated his 100th match for his country.

Dayaan Cassiem - ACK Sport Photography

The visitors wasted little time stamping their authority on the contest. Malaysia stunned the hosts with two quick goals in the opening quarter, exposing South Africa’s defence early on. Azimuddin Kamaruddin converted from a penalty corner before Anuar finished clinically to double Malaysia’s advantage and leave the home side chasing the game at 2-0.

South Africa gradually settled into the contest and began enjoying more possession, creating several promising attacks as they searched for a route back into the match.

Their reward arrived in the second quarter when Trevor de Lora announced himself in style. Reacting instinctively inside the circle, he hammered the ball into the back of the net with tremendous power to score his first international goal on South African soil. His passionate celebration reflected the significance of the moment as the hosts reduced the deficit to 2-1.

Despite South Africa’s growing dominance and sustained pressure, Malaysia defended resolutely to carry their slender lead into the half-time break.

The home side emerged after the interval with renewed purpose and found the equaliser early in the third quarter. Sihle Ngubane continued his impressive run of form in the green and gold by finding space in the circle before unleashing a thunderous slap shot that flew past the Malaysian goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

With confidence growing, South Africa controlled large periods of the second half and looked the more likely team to find a winner.

South Africa now an unassailable lead in the five-match Test series - ACK Sport Photography

That breakthrough eventually came with 10 minutes remaining through a devastating counterattack. Viwe Mbata launched the move before picking out Mustapha Cassiem, who once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of South Africa’s most dangerous attacking weapons. Showing remarkable composure, Cassiem sold the defender with a clever dummy before rifling an unstoppable shot into the net to put the hosts ahead for the first time in the match.

However, the celebrations proved short-lived.

Malaysia refused to surrender and earned a late penalty corner deep into the closing stages. Azrai produced an excellent deflection to beat the South African defence and goalkeeper, rescuing a deserved 3-3 draw for the visitors and denying the hosts what would have been an impressive comeback victory.

Dayaan Cassiem will play in his 100th Test on Sunday - ACK Sport Photography

Although South Africa will be disappointed not to have held onto their advantage, the draw was enough to secure the series.

With two victories and two draws from the opening four Tests, the hosts have established an unassailable 2-0 series lead heading into Sunday’s final encounter, where they will look to finish the campaign on a winning note while Dayaan Cassiem celebrates his landmark 100th Test appearance.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport