Pakistan thrash Bangladesh 8-2 in series opener in Dhaka | The Express Tribune

Pakistan made a flying start to their three-match play-off series against Bangladesh, cruising to an 8-2 victory in Thursday’s opener at Dhaka’s Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium.

Afraz and Nadeem Ahmed each scored twice for the visitors, while Ammad Butt, Ghazanfar Ali, Waheed Ashraf Rana, and Hannan Shahid also found the net. Bangladesh’s Hozifa Hossain and Amirul Islam scored the lone goals for the hosts.

The home side began brightly, blocking three early Pakistani attacks within the first minute. But Pakistan soon asserted control, with captain Ammad Butt converting a penalty stroke in the fourth minute to break the deadlock. Bangladesh suffered an early blow when goalkeeper Roman Sarkar sustained a head injury from the same play and was stretchered off.

Hozifa briefly revived home hopes with a reverse-hit goal just before the first quarter ended, but Nadeem restored Pakistan’s lead in the 19th minute. Afraz extended the advantage with a penalty corner in the 24th minute and followed it with a fine field goal six minutes later. Pakistan dominated possession for the remainder of the match, adding four more goals through sharp finishing and fluid passing.

Bangladesh managed to convert only one of their penalty corner opportunities in the second half, with Amirul scoring in the 58th minute. Skipper Rezaul Karim Babu acknowledged lapses in concentration and vowed to bounce back in the remaining fixtures.

The series continues on Friday, with the third and final match set for Sunday. The aggregate winner will advance to the 2026 FIH Men’s World Cup qualifying round.