Sports Desk:

Hosts Bangladesh began their road to the FIH World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a heavy 8-2 defeat to Pakistan in the first of three play-off matches at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

A loss against four-time World Cup champions Pakistan was the most likely outcome, given Bangladesh’s record of never having beaten them but the margin of defeat came as a disappointment for the men in red and green, who lacked intensity from the outset.

Bangladesh adopted a defensive approach in the first two quarters but fumbled repeatedly against the three-time Olympic gold medalists. Pakistan, despite an unimpressive overall display, capitalised on Bangladesh’s mistakes with ease.

Struggling to find rhythm early on, Bangladesh were pressed hard through both flanks as Pakistan forced turnovers in the shooting area. The visitors struck four times in the first half, taking advantage of defensive lapses. Midfielder Roman Sarkar, who was later hospitalised with a head injury, needlessly attempted to block captain Butt Ammad inside the shooting circle in the fourth minute, conceding a penalty stroke that Ammad converted to open the scoring.

Bangladesh hit back to level in the 15th minute through a reverse hit from Huzaifa Hossain but Pakistan soon regained control. Nadeem Ahmed and Afraz shared three goals before halftime, capitalising on Bangladesh’s weak clearances to make it 4-1 at the break.

After the restart, Ali Ganzafar, Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Nadeem Ahmed each added a goal from open play, extending Pakistan’s lead. Bangladesh managed a late consolation two minutes from time when Amirul Islam converted a penalty goal to make it 8-2.

Bangladesh captain Rezaul Karim Babu expressed disappointment at the heavy defeat, citing technical errors and missed opportunities.

“We were not ready for an 8-2 defeat. We could not perform according to our plan. The margin could have been reduced had our two penalty-corner hits not rebounded off the post. We also conceded three to four goals due to technical mistakes,” said Babu, explaining the team’s defensive approach.

“It’s not possible for us to play at full pace throughout the game against Pakistan because of the difference in physical ability. That’s why we planned to play defensively in the first two quarters and press in the last two,” he added. “The main problem was our failure to control Pakistan’s counter-attacks due to individual errors, which led to the goals. But our overall team structure was fine.”

Bangladesh will face Pakistan again in the second match at the same venue on Friday.