Bangladesh group champs

Midfielder Zahidul Islam Rajan fired a hattrick as Bangladesh emerged Pool B champions in the 3rd Men's AHF Cup hockey tournament in Singapore with a massive 8-3 defeat of Uzbekistan in the last match of the group stage yesterday.
Bangladesh, who have qualified for the Asian Cup with their place in the semifinals of the qualifying tournament for the continental championship, will take on runners-up of Pool B in the knockout stage.
The top four teams of the AHF Cup will qualify for the Asia Cup.
Rajan, the most impressive attacking midfielder during the premier League for eventual champions Usha Krira Chakra, scored three goals while vice-captain Russell Mahmud Jimmy slotted two for the winners.
Skipper Maksudul Alam Habul, Krishna Kumar and Mamunur Rahman Chayan added one goal apiece as Bangladesh finished top of the group with ten points.
Earlier, Bangladesh beat Brunei 6-1, Chinese Taipei 3-2 and drew 1-1 with hosts Singapore.