The Bangladesh women's hockey team has created new history in the international hockey arena. Bangladesh won the second match in their history defeating Uzbekistan 3-2 on Friday.
After drawing 5-5 with the powerful Chinese Taipei in the first match, Bangladesh has taken a big step towards the semi-finals with this win.
The girls were seen in an aggressive mood from the start at the GBK Hockey Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. Sharika Rimon gave the team the lead in the 11th minute of the match by scoring from a penalty corner. However, Uzbekistan did not take long to equalize; Khuzaeva Madinabonu equalized from a penalty corner just a minute later.
The red-green team went into the break with a 2-1 lead thanks to a brilliant field goal by Kona Akhter in the 24th minute. After the break, Irin Akhter Riya made it 3-1 from a penalty corner in the 40th minute.
In the 46th minute, Uzbekistan made it 3-2 from a penalty stroke, but Bangladesh maintained the lead for the rest of the time. Irin Akhter Riya was named man of the match for this victory.
In the first match of the pool, Bangladesh earned 1 point by drawing 5-5 against Chinese Taipei despite being remain behind. After beating Uzbekistan on Friday and getting the full 3 points, Bangladesh's position in 'Pool A' is now consolidated.
Bangladesh will face Hong Kong in the last match of the pool stage on Saturday. If they can win or draw in that match, Arpita-Irin will also get a ticket to play in the Asian Games along with the semi-finals.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
