Bangladesh needed to win their three-match playoff series against Pakistan to qualify for the Hockey World Cup. However, consecutive losses ended those hopes for the hosts. On Friday, Pakistan secured qualification with a second 8-0 victory, even with one match still to play. The visitors had also won the first match 8-2.
In the opening quarter, Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Sufian Khan converted a penalty corner in the fifth minute to give his team a 1-0 lead. Bangladesh responded with a strong attack in the sixth minute but failed to score. Pakistan earned another penalty corner in the 13th minute but missed the opportunity. Rakibul Hasan had a promising attempt in the final minute of the quarter, which also went unrewarded.
The second quarter saw Bangladesh’s Ashraful Islam leave the field after a minor injury, but he later returned. Pakistan dominated this quarter, scoring three goals through Ashraf Wahed Rana, Sufian Khan, and Wahed Rana, taking a 4-0 lead into half-time.
Early in the third quarter, Pakistan extended their lead with a goal from Hannan Shaheed, making it 5-0. Bangladesh earned their first penalty corner of the match in this quarter but failed to convert. The quarter ended 5-0.
In the final quarter, Pakistan continued their attacking display, scoring three more goals. The last came from visiting captain Ammad Bhatt, completing the 8-0 win and securing their place in the World Cup qualifiers.
