Bangladesh’s first match of the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers play-off series against Pakistan took a worrying turn early on, as Roman Sarkar suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital.
The match began at 2 pm at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium, and within minutes, Roman was struck on the head while blocking a powerful shot inside Bangladesh’s D. He immediately fell to the ground, bleeding heavily. After receiving on-field treatment and having his head bandaged, he was stretchered off and rushed to hospital.
Pakistan made the most of Bangladesh’s disruption, opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Captain Ammad Shakeel Bhatt converted a penalty stroke after Bangladesh conceded soon after Roman’s injury. Goalkeeper Biplob Kujur had no chance to stop the lofted strike.
Despite the early setback, Bangladesh ended the first quarter on level terms. In the 15th minute, Huzaifa Hossain equalised with a brilliant reverse hit, giving the home side a much-needed boost.
