Dhaka: Bangladesh national hockey team's hope of qualifying in the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup qualifiers ended as they suffered a massive 8-0 goals defeat to strong Pakistan in the second of the three-match play-off series held at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, with two wins out of the three-match series, Bangladesh will play their Sunday's last match merely to complete the formality as Pakistan qualified for the World Cup qualifiers with two wins. The FIH Men's Hockey World Cup qualifiers are scheduled to be held in February and March next year.
In the one-sided affairs, Pakistan took lead 1-0 in the first quarter, 4-0 in the second quarter, 5-0 in the third quarter, and 8-0 in the last quarter. During the proceeding, Sufiyan Khan struck twice for Pakistan in the 6th and 19th minutes converting penalty corners, while Rana Wahid Ashraf scored a brace in the 13th and 57th minutes, both from field goals.
Besides, Wahid, Shahid Hannan, Afraz, and captain Ahammad Shakil Butt supported them with a lone goal each in the 30th, 32nd, 53rd, and 59th minutes respectively for Pakistan. Bangladesh, however, got several scoring opportunities during the proceeding but could not convert any due to a lack of proper finishing.
Earlier, Bangladesh suffered a massive 8-2 goals defeat to Pakistan.