Bangladesh continued their superb run in the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament with a commanding 5–2 victory over hosts China, securing their third straight win in Pool A to remain top of the group with nine points.
Having already beaten Hong Kong 3–0 in their opener and trounced Sri Lanka 13–0 in their second match, the young Red and Greens once again asserted their dominance with clinical finishing and tight defensive control.
Bangladesh got off to a flying start in Sunday’s clash, with Ismail scoring a field goal in the seventh minute. Within moments, Bishal Ahmed doubled the lead with a powerful hit. Neither side found the back of the net in the second quarter, as Bangladesh kept their shape and China struggled to break through.
China briefly threatened a comeback by pulling one back in the third quarter, but Bangladesh responded in emphatic fashion. Goals from Johnny Islam, Ismail (his second), and Amit Hasan re-established firm control of the match and pushed the lead to 5–1.
Although China reduced the margin with a late goal in the fourth quarter, it was far from enough to challenge Bangladesh’s grip on the game.
With nine points from three games, Bangladesh lead Pool A and will face their toughest test yet in their final group match against Pakistan.