As presumed Bangladesh national hockey team suffered a massive 8–2 goal defeat to strong Pakistan in the first match of three-match play off series held at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium today (Thursday).

The early breakthrough came for Pakistan in the beginning of the first quarter through a penalty stroke. Pakistan captain Ammad Butt gave his side a deserving lead scoring the first goal in the 4th minute.

Bangladesh, however, staged a brilliant fight back to restore the parity when Hozifa Hossain restored the parity for Bangladesh through a field goal in the 15th minute of the match.

The second quarter saw Pakistan scored two goals with Ahmad Nadeem gave his side again lead scoring the second goal in the 19th minute and Afraz further widened the margin scoring the third goal for Pakistan converting   a penalty corner in 24th minute of the match.

In the third quarter, Pakistan continued their onslaught as Afraz again struck on Bangladesh tent scoring his second and fourth goal for Pakistan in the 30th minute.

Ghazanfar opened the floodgate scoring the fifth goal for Pakistan in the 32nd minute while Ashraf Rana Waheed made the score line 6-1 scoring a field goal for Pakistan in the 44th minute of the match.

The fourth quarter saw Hannnan Shaheed joined the party scoring the seventh goal for Pakistan in the 47th minute while Ahmad Nadeem made the score line 8-1 with a field goal in the 56th minute.

Amirul Islam reduced the margin scoring the second goal for Bangladesh two minutes before the long whistle.

Pakistan, who began to dominate the play in the very beginning, delivered a competitive hockey in the one-side affair and notched their deserving victory while Bangladesh were off –colored except the two goals in the day’s match.

The two sides will meet again in the second match scheduled to be held tomorrow (Friday) at the same venue.
The winners’ of this series will secure a sixth place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for February and March next year.