Bangladesh defeated Maldives 33-20 to set up a final clash against India in the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy at Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Stadium in Paltan on Tuesday.
Despite a strong start, the Maldives couldn’t maintain control of the match until the end.
They staged a comeback in the second half, going toe-to-toe with Bangladesh, but were unable to overcome the significant deficit incurred in the first half. Consequently, hosts Bangladesh defeated the Maldives to reach the final,
The ‘red-and-greens’ held a 16-5 lead by the end of the first half. After the break, Bangladesh scored 17 goals, while the Maldives responded with 15.
Ultimately, the 11-goal cushion established in the first half proved to be the deciding factor between the two sides.
Bangladesh’s Mosammat Sanjida Akter was the top scorer with 8 goals and was also named player of the match.
Bangladesh began the competition by defeating Nepal 33-20, but they subsequently suffered a 47-13 loss to a strong Indian side.
Consequently, to reach the final, Ana Alonso Fragua’s team had no choice but to win their final round-robin league match against the Maldives.
By securing a victory in that crucial encounter, the hosts have booked their spot in the final.
Bangladesh will face India in the final tomorrow at 3 PM. The bronze medal match between Maldives and Nepal will take place today at 2 PM.