Sports Desk, Bangladesh Global: Bangladesh put on a spirited display in their maiden U-21 Hockey World Cup outing, falling 5–3 to a strong Australian side in Chennai on Saturday. Despite the defeat, the debutants impressed with their fighting spirit, led by a brilliant hat-trick from drag-flick specialist Amirul Islam.
Australia struck immediately, with Oliver Will opening the scoring in the very first minute through a field goal. Bangladesh responded in the 14th minute when Amirul equalised with a precise drag-flick from their first penalty corner. Australia regained the lead in the 18th minute as Ian Grobbelaar converted a penalty corner, before Dylan Brick added another goal in the 22nd minute, also from a penalty corner. Bangladesh earned three consecutive penalty corners in the 30th minute but could not convert, ending the second quarter trailing 4–1.
The third quarter saw only Bangladesh on the scoresheet. Amirul slammed home his second goal of the match to reduce the deficit to 4–2, giving the team renewed hope.
In the final quarter, Australia’s Stanger Daykin scored in the 48th minute to restore a three-goal cushion. Bangladesh fought back again, and Amirul completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute, scoring the team’s third goal and earning Man of the Match honours.
Although Bangladesh lost 5–3, their fearless performance against one of world hockey’s top teams won admiration. The debutants showed grit, determination, and attacking skill, signaling that they are ready to compete strongly in their first-ever U-21 World Cup journey.
Bangladesh now turn their focus to Sunday’s clash against South Korea, who themselves suffered a heavy 11–1 defeat to France in their opening match on Saturday. The young Bangladesh team will be aiming to carry forward their fighting spirit and aim for a strong performance in their second group match.
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