Bangladesh confirmed at least a sixth-place finish in the 12th AHF Men鈥檚 Asia Cup after a 5-1 victory over Kazakhstan in the fifth-eighth place deciding match at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium in Rajgir, India, on Thursday.
Bangladesh defenders Ashraful Islam and Roman Sarkar each scored a brace, while Tayab Ali added one before Altynbek Aitkaliyev scored a consolation goal for Kazakhstan.
Bangladesh, who also finished sixth in the 2022 edition, now have the opportunity to secure a direct spot in the 2026 FIH World Cup Qualifiers if they win their next match against Japan in the fifth-sixth place play-off at the same venue on Sunday.
However, a defeat against Japan will require Bangladesh to play a play-off against Pakistan to secure their place in the qualifiers.
The champions of the ongoing Asia Cup will directly qualify for the 2026 FIH World Cup, while the next top five teams will earn spots in the 2026 Qualifiers.
During the day鈥檚 play, Ashraful gave Bangladesh the lead in the 10th minute by scoring from a penalty corner before doubling the margin with a penalty stroke in the 23rd minute.
Roman extended the margin with a field goal in the 28th minute, and he scored his second and Bangladesh's fourth, converting a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.
Tayeb scored a field goal in the 34th minute, and Aitkaliyev scored a field goal for Kazakhstan in the 38th minute.
Bangladesh earlier started their campaign in the eight-team tournament with a 4-1 loss to Malaysia before they earned an 8-3 win over Chinese Taipei and suffered a 5-1 defeat to South Korea to place third in Pool B.
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