KEY POINTS
- Pakistan regained control after Bangladesh’s equalizer, with Nadeem Ahmed, Afraz, and others adding goals to secure a dominant win.
- The series winner will advance to the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup qualifying round.
DHAKA, Bangladesh: Pakistan made a strong start to their three-match away series against Bangladesh, securing a dominant 8-2 victory in the opening fixture at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium on Thursday.
Despite early resistance from the hosts, who denied Pakistan three chances in the first minute, the visitors broke the deadlock in the fourth minute with a penalty conversion by captain Ammad Butt.
Bangladesh quickly responded, equalizing in the final seconds of the first quarter with Hozifa Hossain’s stunning field goal.
However, Pakistan regained control early in the second quarter, with Nadeem Ahmed putting his team ahead in the 19th minute.
The Green Shirts extended their lead as Afraz scored in the 24th minute, followed by another brilliant field goal from Afraz five minutes later.
Pakistan continued to dominate possession, adding four more goals from Ghazanfar Ali, Waheed Ashraf Rana, Hannan Shahid, and Nadeem’s second goal.
Bangladesh pulled one back in the 58th minute through Amirul Islam, but Pakistan’s lead was insurmountable as they clinched the match 8-2.
The second match of the series will be held on Friday, with the third and final fixture scheduled for Sunday. The series winner will progress to the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup qualifying round.
