Bangladesh confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Beach Handball Championship in Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives, after a tense 2-1 victory over the hosts on 20 September. The win ensured Khokon Molla’s side advanced with one group match still remaining.
Beach handball differs from the traditional format, with matches played over two sets of 10 minutes each. The result is decided on a set basis, and if the teams share a set apiece, the contest goes to a penalty shootout. A straight win requires both sets to be claimed.
Bangladesh fell behind in the opening set, losing 20-14, but responded strongly to level the match with a 20-16 win in the second. The decider went to penalties, where Bangladesh edged past Maldives 7-6 to seal their progress.
The red-and-greens had earlier beaten South Africa 2-0 and India 2-1 before slipping to a 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka on 19 September. Their final group fixture will be against Pakistan.
The tournament, organised by the Commonwealth Handball Association and hosted by Handball Maldives, features six teams: Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, South Africa, India and Pakistan, competing in a league-format group stage.
