Asia Cup 2025: Malaysia secures comeback win over South Korea, Bangladesh gets first points

In what some locals considered a good omen, the second day of the Asia Cup 2025 started with a fascinating spectacle. As Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei faced off in a crucial Pool B match at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Saturday, a swarm of dragonflies flew over the field, moving from one end of the goal to the other before disappearing toward the distant hills.

As they danced through the air, a group of locals near the media tribune erupted in cheers. For them, this wasn’t just a coincidence — it was a powerful omen. They believe that the dragonflies are a sign of coming rain, a much-needed blessing in the parched landscape. Their cheers were a welcome for the rain, hoping the dragonflies’ call would bring relief to all.

Both teams entered the match desperate for a win after losing their respective tournament openers. It was a must-win game to keep their hopes alive. Bangladesh started strong, scoring in the 4th minute, but Taipei responded swiftly, and the first quarter ended all square.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. However, Bangladesh came out with a surge of energy in the second half. Led by a spectacular performance from Rakibul Hasan, who scored twice, Bangladesh dominated the third quarter, netting four goals.

The win gives Bangladesh three points and a crucial +2 goal difference, keeping it in the race for the next round.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Taipei pushed forward in a desperate attempt to close the four-goal gap, leaving its defence exposed. Bangladesh took advantage, running rampant on the counterattack. Despite missing three prime opportunities to increase its goal difference — something its coach, Md. Rahman will surely address — Bangladesh secured a decisive 8-3 victory.

The win gives it three points and a crucial +2 goal difference, keeping it in the race for the next round. Rakibul was the star of the match, finishing with two goals and two assists.

In the day’s second match, Malaysia squared off against a strong South Korea side — the two winners in Pool B on day one faced off to solidify their chances of making the Super 4s. Korea started with high intensity and caught the Malaysian defence off guard, scoring just 66 seconds into the match.

Despite the early setback, Malaysia remained composed. It tightened up its defence and increased its high press. After the first quarter, Malaysia began to dominate possession and ultimately found the equaliser just before halftime.

Akhimullah Anuar was the key for Malaysia, scoring the tying goal and then adding another goal and an assist within four minutes of the restart. The 25-year-old capped off his brilliant performance with a hat-trick in the 54th minute, securing a 4-1 victory for Malaysia and all but sealing a passage into the Super 4s.

As it turned out, the dragonfly omen only flattered to deceive. Throughout the day, it seemed like the people, desperate for relief, saw a supernatural sign in a natural phenomenon, praying to weather gods who offered no response. The heat, indifferent to their hopes, continued its relentless climb. However, during the last quarter, a drizzle graced the field, but the sun never rested behind clouds.

During the last quarter of the second match, a drizzle graced the field, but the sun never rested behind clouds.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

For Malaysia coach Sarjit Kundan, the heat was excruciating, but he has no complaints. “It is also hot in our country, but the 32 degrees [temperature] felt like 42 and on top of that, the sunlight is intense. It is tough to play high-intensity hockey, but I’m not complaining. This is a brilliant tournament, the arrangements are great, and we’re enjoying it,” he said after the match.

When asked if he would start plotting for the Super 4s now. The coach dismissed the idea, stating, “We have another match to go against Chinese Taipei, and we need to focus on that first. I would like the weather to become a bit cooler by then,” he added with a laugh.

Published on Aug 30, 2025