Irin hits hat-trick: Bangladesh in final of Women’s Asian Games Hockey Qualifier

The scoreline of the semi-final of the Women’s Asian Games Hockey Qualifier between Bangladesh Women’s Hockey team and Singapore Women’s Hockey was 1-1 and three minutes later, the referee’s final whistle would blow. Just then, Bangladesh’s Irin Riya appeared with magic.

She scored two goals in the 57th and 58th minutes to take Bangladesh to the final of the Women’s Asian Games Qualifier.

Bangladesh won the match 3-1. All three goals for Bangladesh were scored by Irin Riya.

The Bangladesh Women’s Hockey team showed one surprise after another while playing in their first international tournament.

They defeated Hong Kong, China on Sunday last to ensure their first appearance in the main phase of Asian Games Hockey Competition.

Yesterday, they also got a ticket to the final of the Women’s Asian Games Hockey Qualifier.

This is the first international tournament for the Bangladesh Women’s Hockey team.

Singapore made Bangladesh suffer a lot in the first three quarters yesterday at Jakarta in Indonesia.

Although Bangladesh took the lead in the 10th minute against the team ranked 36th in the World Hockey rankings through a field goal by Irin Riya.

Two minutes later, Singapore’s Chia Cherry equalized the margin from a penalty corner.

After conceding a goal, the Bangladesh women attacked with some caution. Bangladesh also got a penalty corner in the 17th minute, but Nadira could not convert it into a goal. The second quarter ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the third quarter, Bangladesh’s attacks turned towards Singapore’s goalmouth.

Bangladesh got a second penalty corner in the 42nd minute, but Captain Arpita Pal could not score.

In the 45th minute, Sharika’s spectacular shot was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper Ilia.

With the score tied at 1-1, both teams attacked desperately in the fourth and final quarter.

Despite getting two penalty corners in the 47th and 48th minutes, Bangladesh could not put the ball in the net.

However, Zahid Hossain’s team returned to the match, albeit late.

In the 57th minute, Irene scored a field goal from a pass from her teammate Kona Akter.

A minute later, Irin Riya completed her hat-trick with another field goal.