Bangladesh fumble inaugural match in Hockey World League

It was harsh reality for Bangladesh hockey team as they lost their inaugural match by 0-3 goals against tournament favorite Malaysia in their opening match of the Hockey World League round 2 held on Saturday at Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium in the city.
Malaysia looked serious from the word go but they began the game with calm approach. Visitors no doubt looked superior as they dominated three quarters of the game out of four while Bangladesh team selected from U-18 and U-21 young players were no match for Malaysia but host looked a little better in the third quarter.
Malaysia created pressure as two of attacks ended hopelessly; Malaysia went ahead in the fifth minute when Jalil Marhan altered the direction of a fierce hit to find the back of the board.
The visitors earned the first penalty corner of the game at the quarter hour mark but the effort was blocked by Bangladesh defence. The home side made an immediate counter attack before Roman Sarkar lost the possession at the edge of the circle.
Malaysia doubled their tally four minutes into the second quarter converting their second penalty corner, taken by Rahim Razie following a push from Hassan Azri.
Bangladesh had something to cheer as Roman Sarkar earned Bangladesh’s first penalty corner in the 28th minute but drag-flick sensation Ashraful Islam’s final hit blocked by Malaysia keeper Othman Hafizuddin after Rasel Mahmud Jimmy’s push was stopped by Sarower Hossain.
Bangladesh created another opportunity moment later and this time it was Ashraful again whose close-range shot was saved by Hafizuddin.
The hosts enjoyed better position in the third quarter where it earned its second PC in the third minute (33rd). Khorshedur Rahman was there to take the final hit but he slipped down to waste the chance after Jimmy’s push.
Malaysia made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute when Rosemi Aiman connected a cross from the left side to hit the board from the middle of the circle.
Bangladesh had another great chance within a minute but Hafizuddin produced another clever save to deny Arshad Hossain’s shot in a cross of Jimmy.
Bangladesh will play their second match against Fiji while Oman play against Malaysia scheduled to be held today (Sunday) at the same venue.