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DHAKA: Pakistan outplayed Bangladesh 8-2 in the opening game of the three-match series here at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium on Thursday.
The series serves as a platform for a spot in the FIH 2026 Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.
The Green Shirts started strong as captain Ammad Butt pierced one through the nets in the fourth minute of the game, courtesy of a penalty corner.
However, the hosts made a comeback at the stroke of the first quarter, with Hozifa Hossain scoring the equalizer.
Pakistan showcased its dominance and replied with another goal in four minutes to take the lead. This time, it was Nadeem Ahmed who struck through the nets.
The visitors continued to dominate and ended the second quarter with a 4-1 lead.
Pakistan effectively controlled possession, enabling them to add four more goals to their tally. Ghazanfar Ali, Waheed Ashraf Rana, and Hannan Shahid each contributed one goal, while Nadeem scored his second.
Bangladesh found the back of the net in the 58th minute with a goal from Amirul Islam. However, they were unable to close the gap, and Pakistan secured a comfortable victory in the match.
It is noteworthy to mention that the series was initiated by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after Pakistan was unable to travel to India for the Asia Cup in August and September due to strained political relations between the two neighboring countries.
The second fixture of the series will be played tomorrow, whereas the final match is scheduled for Sunday.
Ammad Shakeel Butt (captain), Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Sufyan, Mohammad Abdullah, Hammad-ud-Din, Abdul Manan, Moeen Shakeel, Zakraya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Ghazanfar Ali, Rana Abdul Waheed, Afraz, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Abdul Rahman, Rana Mohammad Walid, Ahmad Nadeem, and Junaid Manzoor.
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