Pakistan made a flying start to their three-match play-off series against Bangladesh, cruising to an 8-2 win in the opener at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium on Thursday.
Afraz and Nadeem Ahmed scored twice each for the visitors, while Ammad Butt, Ghazanfar Ali, Waheed Ashraf Rana and Hannan Shahid also found the net. Hozifa Hossain and Amirul Islam struck for Bangladesh.
The hosts began brightly, denying three early Pakistan moves inside the opening minute. However, the pressure told soon after when captain Ammad Butt converted a penalty stroke in the fourth minute to break the deadlock.
Bangladesh suffered a setback as goalkeeper Roman Sarkar sustained a head injury while conceding the penalty. He was stretchered off and taken to hospital, unable to continue.
Hozifa briefly revived home hopes with a powerful reverse hit just before the end of the first quarter to make it 1-1, but Nadeem restored Pakistan’s advantage in the 19th minute following a close-range scramble.
Afraz extended the lead with a penalty corner strike in the 24th minute before adding another six minutes later through a fine field effort. Pakistan dominated possession thereafter, adding four more through fluent passing and sharp finishing.
Bangladesh created chances from penalty corners in the second half but failed to convert until Amirul netted from their fifth attempt in the 58th minute.
Skipper Rezaul Karim Babu conceded his side were guilty of lapses in concentration, saying they would aim for a stronger showing in the next fixtures.
The series resumes on Friday with the second match, while the third and final encounter is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue. The aggregate winner will advance to the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup qualifying round.
