Fifth loss on the trot for BD

The Bangladesh national hockey team fell to yet another defeat in India as the boys in red and green suffered a 2-5 humbling at the hands of India A in their fifth practice match in Bengaluru, India yesterday.

Bangladesh, who have been touring India as part of their preparation for the Asian Games, put up a semblance of challenge yesterday in the first three quarters to trail by 3-2 at one stage, but once more they failed to maintain the momentum in the fourth and final quarter. It was their fifth straight defeat.

Bangladesh went behind in the fourth minute before Ashraful Islam levelled the margin nine minutes later, but the home side took just one minute to restore the lead with Nilakanta Sharma, who scored two goals in the 14th and 26th minute.

Ashraful reduced the margin in the 44th minute, converting a penalty corner, before Rupinder Singh and Gurjant Singh scored in the 52nd and 58th minutes respectively to seal victory.

Visiting Bangladesh will play their sixth and final practice match against the same opponents today.