Bangladesh hockey team suffered a 4-1 defeat to Malaysia in the 12th AHF Men鈥檚 Asia Cup opener at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium in Rajgir, India on Friday.
Mosiur Rahman Biplob鈥檚 charges showed a spirited effort by keeping stronger Malaysia at bay for a barren first quarter and defender Ashraful Islam scored from penalty corner for 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.聽
The Malaysian encounter proved too strong, setting up their tone for dominating possession and clinical finishing throughout the game, for three consecutive field goals before a goal from penalty corner.
Hamsani Ashran scored the equaliser in the 25th minute before Anuar Akhimullah gave Malaysia the lead in the 36th minute, and Abdur Rauf Muhajir extended the lead in the 48th minute.
Cholan Syed鈥檚 strike from penalty corner four minutes from the time set the margin beyond Bangladesh鈥檚 reach in their Pool B match.
In the other day鈥檚 Pool B match, holders and record five-time champions South Korea crushed Chinese Taipei 7-0 in the Pool B match.
Meanwhile, Japan defeated Kazakhstan 7-0 while hosts and three-time champions India earned a narrow 4-3 win over China in their Pool A matches on the opening day.
Bangladesh will look to bounce back when they will take on Chinese Taipei in today鈥檚 match, which is scheduled to begin at 1:30pm (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Bangladesh will end their pool campaign by playing South Korea on September 1.
