Bangladesh suffered massive defeat to Pakistan

As presumed, the Bangladesh national hockey team suffered a massive 8–2 goal defeat to strong Pakistan in the first match of the three-match playoff series held at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

The early breakthrough came for Pakistan in the beginning of the first quarter through a penalty stroke. Pakistan captain Ammad Butt gave his side a deserving lead, scoring the first goal in the 4th minute.

Bangladesh, however, staged a brilliant fightback to restore the parity when Hozifa Hossain restored the parity for Bangladesh through a field goal in the 15th minute of the match.

The second quarter saw Pakistan score two goals, with Ahmad Nadeem giving his side the lead again by scoring the second goal in the 19th minute, and Afraz further widened the margin by scoring the third goal for Pakistan, converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute of the match.

In the third quarter, Pakistan continued their onslaught as Afraz again struck on Bangladesh's tent, scoring his second and fourth goal for Pakistan in the 30th minute.

Ghazanfar opened the floodgate, scoring the fifth goal for Pakistan in the 32nd minute, while Ashraf Rana Waheed made the scoreline 6-1, scoring a field goal for Pakistan in the 44th minute of the match.

The fourth quarter saw Hannan Shaheed join the party, scoring the seventh goal for Pakistan in the 47th minute, while Ahmad Nadeem made the scoreline 8-1 with a field goal in the 56th minute.

Amirul Islam reduced the margin, scoring the second goal for Bangladesh two minutes before the long whistle.

Pakistan, who began to dominate the play in the very beginning, delivered competitive hockey in the one-sided affair and notched their deserving victory while Bangladesh were off-coloured except for the two goals in the day’s match.

The two sides will meet again in the second match scheduled to be held on Friday at the same venue.

The winners of this series will secure a sixth place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for February and March next year.

NSA