Bangladesh endured a tough start to their Hockey World Cup qualifying playoff series, going down 8-2 to Pakistan at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on 13 November.
Roman suffers early head injury
Pakistan struck within the first four minutes of the opening quarter. Bangladesh’s Roman Sarkar was injured while blocking a shot inside the circle, falling to the turf bleeding. He was stretchered off and taken to hospital with a bandage on his head.
The early loss of an experienced player proved costly, as Bangladesh conceded a penalty shortly after. Pakistan captain Ammad Shaquil Bhat converted the stroke to give his team the lead. Goalkeeper Biplab Kujur was unable to stop the high shot from the right side.
Bangladesh found some solace later in the first quarter when Huzaifa Hossain scored from open play with a reverse hit at the 15-minute mark, briefly levelling the scores.
Pakistan pull ahead in second quarter
Pakistan quickly regained the advantage in the second quarter. Nadim Ahmed scored a field goal in the 19th minute, followed by Afraz converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute. Afraz added his second goal of the match in the 30th minute to extend Pakistan’s lead.
Pakistan maintain dominance to seal victory
The final two quarters saw Pakistan continue their attacking display. Gajanfar Ali made it 5-1 in the 32nd minute, followed by Rana Wahid Ashraf’s sixth goal at the 44th minute. Vasan Hannan Shahid scored Pakistan’s seventh at the 47th minute, with Nadim Ahmed completing his brace in the 56th minute to make it 8-1.
Bangladesh reduced the deficit slightly when Amirul Islam converted a penalty corner in the 58th minute, finalising the score at 8-2.
